* 



{LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. J 



f 



[SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] 



| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. { 






f (J ' Af-v 



t 



THE 

COMMUNICANT'S MANUAL 



OR A 



SERIES OF MEDITATIONS 



DESIGNED TO 



ASSIST COMMUNICANTS IN MAKING PREPARATION 



FOR 



THE LORD'S SUPPER/ 

v S 

BY I 

J. J.(JANEWAY,D.D. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 

/ 
/ 



,J3 ■ 



Entered according to the Act of Congress in the year 
1848, by A. W. Mitchell, M. D., in the office of 
the Clerk of the District Court for the Eastern Dis- 
trict of Pennsylvania. 



Stereotyped by E. C. Allen, No. 51 Commerce Street, 
Philadelphia. 



CONTENTS 



MEDITATION I. 
A Precious Ordinance ------ 9 

MEDITATION II. 

The Cross of Christ 18 

MEDITATION III. 

The Apostasy of the human Race - - - - 26 

MEDITATION IV. 
The Superiority of the Christian Dispensation - 35 

MEDITATION V. 

The Glory of God in the Cross - ... 45 

MEDITATION VI. 
The Person of our Redeemer - - - - 53 

MEDITATION VII. 
His infinite Condescension - - - - - 64 

MEDITATION VIII. 

His profound Humiliation ----- 72 

MEDITATION IX. 
His holy Life 81 

MEDITATION X. 

His Sufferings and Death ----- 90 

MEDITATION XI. 
The Evil of Sin 99 

MEDITATION XII. 

The Resurrection of Christ - - - - 107 

MEDITATION XIII. 
His Ascension into Heaven and Session at God's 
right Hand 115 

MEDITATION XIV. 
His Intercession 124 

MEDITATION XV. 
His Coming to Judgment - - - - - 132 

MEDITATION XVI. 
The Love of Christ 141 

3 



4 CONTENTS. 

MEDITATION XVII. 
Self-examination - - 149 

MEDITATION XVIII. 

Penitent Recollection of Sins— Self-dedication - 157 

MEDITATION XIX. 
The Sabbath Morning 167 

MEDITATION XX. 
At the Table 175 

MEDITATION XXI. 
After Returning from the Communion - 184 

MEDITATION XXII. 
Thanksgiving 187 

MEDITATION XXIII. 
Obligations assumed ------ 196 

MEDITATION XXIV. 
The Christian's Warfare 204 

MEDITATION XXV. 
Watchfulness and Dependence on Divine Assist- 
ance 215 

MEDITATION XXVI. 
The Christian's Reward 226 

MEDITATION XXVII. 
The Christian's Joy 236 

MEDITATION XXVIII. 
Dependence on the Holy Spirit - 247 

MEDITATION XXIX. 
Growth in Grace - 356 



PREFACE. 



The Author, in preparing for the Lord's Supper, 
has, for many years, been in the habit of conducting 
his private unwritten meditations, in a manner 
somewhat like the form adopted in these meditations. 
Recently it occurred, that a series of written Medi- 
tations on appropriate topics, might assist commu- 
nicants who are unskilful in the art of private medi- 
tation. Relying, therefore, upon Divine aid, and 
humbly hoping for the blessing of the great Head 
of the Church, on his attempt to edify some of its 
members, he undertook the work. 

He has written nineteen meditations, to be used 
before the communion; one, at the Lord's Supper; 
and nine, after the communion. To all, except one, 
he has appended short prayers. 

To read devoutly a Meditation will require from 
eight to ten minutes, and a prayer, from two to three. 

If notice for the Supper be given two weeks before 
the administration, there will be ample time for 
reading over these Meditations and Prayers. If only 
a week should intervene, they might be read by 
allowing more time for devotional exercises, morn- 
ing and evening ; or a selection may be made, so as 
to suit the time. 

1* 5 



6 PREFACE. 

After using this little book for awhile, many may 
find themselves enabled to intersperse new thoughts, 
in reading over these Meditations ; just as a person 
may add reflections, when perusing a chapter, or 
part of a chapter of the Bible. 

It is not the wish of the Author, that any should 
confine themselves to the prayers appended to these 
Meditations. He has written them to direct the 
reader's attention to those parts of the Meditations, 
which furnish matter for praise, thanksgiving, and 
prayer ; and which he may incorporate with any 
address he feels disposed to offer to God, after 
devoutly reading them. 

Between such a use of these prayers four times 
a year, and confinement to set forms of prayers 
every Sabbath, and every day of the year, there is 
no analogy. 

The writer invites the attention of his brethren 
in the ministry to the twentieth Meditation, designed 
to direct the exercises of communicants, when seat- 
ed at the Lord's table. It will, he presumes, be 
admitted, that communicants, have a very import- 
ant duty there to perform, and that their minds 
ought to be occupied with thoughts like those sug- 
gested in that Meditation. This being granted, will 
it not follow, that they should be allowed time suffi- 
cient for each one to follow the train of thought to 
which he feels inclined ; to make the confession of 
sins, to present the petitions, and to offer the thanks- 
givings, suited to his own case 1 But if, at the ad- 
ministration of the elements, the minister is con» 



PREFACE, 7 

stantly speaking, how can the communicant perform 
that peculiar duty, which is to be transacted be- 
tween his own soul and his Redeemer, as he ought] 
Must not such incessant speaking sadly break in 
upon his secret devotions ? 

When the writer is seated at the holy table, and 
the elements are being distributed, he feels a wish 
to be left alone to his own meditations ; and he en- 
deavours to shut his ears to any address by the offi- 
ciating minister ; because it appears to him then so 
unseasonable. No doubt many communicants feel 
as he does ; but they may not be able to abstract 
their minds from the address of the speaker. 

But, it will be said, Do not communicants need 
thoughts to be thrown out to assist their medita- 
tions] Granted; they need assistance: and let it 
be proffered to them at the proper time. Cannot a 
minister say all that needs be said, before he dis- 
tributes the bread ] And if afterwards he wish to 
utter a striking thought, or to give an appropriate 
direction, can he not do it in few words, when he 
distributes the cup ] 

That communicants ought to be left to their own 
meditations and exercises, while the elements are 
being distributed, the Author has, for many years, 
been so fully convinced, that to address them, at such 
a time with continued remarks, he would feel to be 
an unwarrantable intrusion on their private devo- 
tions. 

With all due respect to the judgment of his breth- 
ren in the ministry, he submits these few thoughts 



8 PREFACE. 

on this subject to their serious consideration. He 
will only add, that he thinks the general adoption 
of such a plan would render communion seasons 
more profitable to communicants* 

New Brunswick, January, 1848. 



SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 



MEDITATION I. 

A PRECIOUS ORDINANCE. 

Again the administration of the Lord's sup- 
per has been announced; and on the ap- 
pointed day, it will be my privilege and that 
of other disciples of our Lord, to take our 
seats at his table. Invaluable ordinance! 
How powerful its influence in sustaining 
Christian character and deportment! The 
announcement of it has often found professing 
Christians slumbering and declining, if not 
backsliding. Aroused by it, in attending to 
the duties and meditations which preparation 
for it demands, they have discovered their 
slumbering and declension; and been by grace 
enabled to awake from sleep, and to recover 
what they had lost. 

How precious this ordinance on various 
accounts! The consideration of its origin 

9 



10 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

should endear it to our hearts. It did not 
take its rise from human wisdom. It is no 
appointment of man. No man, whatever 
may be his station and authority has a right to 
ordain a religious rite ; nor has any assembly 
of men, whether civil or ecclesiastical, such a 
right. The exercise of such a right would be 
an invasion of the authority of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, the great Head of the Church. He 
alone has a right to prescribe her laws, and to 
ordain her rites. Were the supper a human 
appointment, it would be mere will-worship ; 
and, in partaking of it, we might justly appre- 
hend his rebuke, instead of expecting his ap- 
probation. 

The great Lawgiver and Head of the 
Church instituted this ordinance. He made 
the appointment in circumstances of peculiar 
endearment. The same night in which he 
was betrayed, when he had a full view of his 
approaching sufferings, then his love appoint* 
ed this supper, designed for the edification 
and comfort of his disciples, to the end of 
time. In such circumstances he took bread 
and wine, as memorials of his broken body 
and shed blood ; and commanded them to be 
used as such, in remembrance of his suffer- 



A PRECIOUS ORDINANCE. 11 

ings for us, and his love to us. Three Evan- 
gelists, and the apostle Paul, have certified 
us of these facts. Matt. xxvi. 26 — 30; Mark 
xiv. 22— 25; Luke xxii. 19, 20; 1 Cor. xi. 
23—33. 

This ordinance was first observed by the 
apostles of our Lord in a large upper room 
in Jerusalem; Mark xiv. 15, 22 — 24. Then 
by the Church in that city, after the Re- 
deemer's resurrection ; and subsequently by 
the Church, wherever she was found in various 
parts of the world, in all succeeding ages ; 
and now it is observed by the Church in these 
ends of the earth ; and it will be observed by 
the Church to the end of the world. Let 
me then remember this great fact, of which 
not a doubt should exist, that this supper was 
appointed by the authority of Jesus Christ; 
and let me partake of it in obedience to his 
authority, and thus render it an act of accept- 
able worship. 

How precious this ordinance, when we 
consider who are the invited guests, and by 
whose presence the supper will be graced and 
honoured ! Whom shall I see at the table of 
my Lord ? The rich, the great, the nobles, 
the princes, and kings of the earth ? Oh! no, 






12 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Seldom have such been found to obey the 
Saviour's dying command. They prefer sit- 
ting at tables, which wealth and pomp delight 
to provide, spread with costly viands, that 
gratify and pamper their bodily appetites ; 
and slight a feast designed to meet the wants 
of an immortal mind, and nourish its spiritual 
life, and prepare it for heavenly happiness. 
There shall I meet the poor, the unlearned, 
the unknown. Yet let me lift the veil that 
conceals them, and look at them with the eye 
of faith ; and whom do I see ? How changed ! 
They are the disciples of Christ, the ransomed 
of the Lord, the saints of God, his children, 
the sons and daughters of the Almighty, the 
heirs of heaven, the expectants of crowns and 
kingdoms there. What a privilege ! what 
an honour, to sit with them at the same table 
with our common Lord ! 

Nor is the Lord absent. He is indeed in 
heaven. His glorified body is there, far re- 
moved from mortal sight. But, in his divine 
nature, Jesus is everywhere; and he will not 
fail to meet, with his gracious presence, his 
disciples, when, in obedience to his dying 
command, they gather around his table, to 
feed upon the spiritual repast his love has 



A PRECIOUS ORDINANCE. 13 

prepared for them. Compared with such a 
feast, partaken of by such guests, and graced 
with the presence and enriched with the 
smiles of the King of kings and Lord of lords; 
what is the most sumptuous entertainment 
that was ever prepared by earthly riches, for 
the display of human grandeur and magnifi- 
cence! 

How precious too this supper, when its 
spiritual nature is considered ! Heresy will 
have it, that the words of the institution are 
to be understood literally ; that, in the supper, 
we eat the real body and drink the real 
blood of our Redeemer ; and that the elements 
are really changed into his body and blood. 
What absurdity! When the Saviour said 
" I am the door ;" " I am the vine ;" are we to 
understand him as meaning, that he was 
really a door, and really a vine? Heresy 
itself is compelled to assign a figurative mean- 
ing to some words in the institution. She 
does not contend we are to drink the cup and 
not the wine, when the cup is given; nor 
that the cup is really the New Testament, 
and not a sign and seal of it. "It is the spirit, 
said Jesus, that quickeneth ; the flesh profiteth 
nothing: the words that I speak unto you, 
2 



14 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

they are spirit, and they are life." John vi. 
53—56, 63. 

The feast is not designed to satisfy our 
bodily appetites. It is a spiritual feast, in- 
tended to nourish our spiritual life, and 
strengthen all the faculties and graces of that 
life. A small portion of bread and wine, 
used as symbols of the broken body and shed 
blood of our Lord, is given to us, that we may 
feed on his body and blood, not carnally and 
corporally, but spiritually and mystically, by 
faith. We are to receive, and eat, and drink 
the elements, to signify that, as we live by 
eating and drinking appropriate food, so we 
live perpetually by feeding by faith on the 
spiritual food, which he furnishes for the life 
of our souls ; or, in other words, that we are 
willing to accept that spiritual and eternal life 
he has purchased by his sufferings and death, 
and to depend on him for its preservation, 
increase here, and final expansion in the 
world to come. Such is the nature of this 
blessed feast. 

The supper of our Lord is precious also on 
account of the covenant engagements it seals. 
" This cup is the New Testament in my 
blood, which is shed for you." Luke xxii. 



A PRECIOUS ORDINANCE. 15 

20. The covenant of grace was ratified and 
sealed by the blood of the great Mediator, 
and all its blessings were made sure to all for 
whom he undertook to satisfy divine justice ; 
and the cup or wine, the symbol of this blood, 
seals the New Testament or covenant in this 
ordinance. Here I am invited to renew my 
covenant engagements with God. Here I 
am allowed the great privilege of taking God 
the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to 
be my covenant God ; the Father to be my 
reconciled father and covenanted portion, 
through Christ ; the Son to be my Saviour, 
friend, master and Lord ; and the Holy Ghost 
to be my guide and teacher, my sanctifier and 
comforter ; and to give myself up to God as 
his servant and child ; to Christ as his disciple 
and follower, and to the Holy Ghost as his 
temple, for ever. The elements are seals to 
this covenant, for both parties. I seal my 
engagements to God; and God seals his 
promises to me. 

Amazing transaction! What astonishing 
condescension and grace on the part of God! 
and how should I admire and adore him for 
such condescension and grace! 

Is this the feast I am invited to partake of? 



16 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

so heavenly in its origin, and instituted in 
circumstances so interesting; its guests so 
noble and dignified; its nature so spiritual, 
so nourishing to my spiritual life, and so 
strengthening to every grace and virtue ; and 
the transactions to which it invites so won- 
derful and sublime'? How joyfully ought I 
then to embrace every opportunity of supping 
and communing with my blessed Lord ! 

For such an ordinance doubtless a corres- 
ponding preparation is required. By solemn 
meditation on suitable topics, by self-exami- 
nation, by renewing my covenant engage- 
ments, by the exercise of repentance and 
faith, and by earnest and importunate prayer, 
let me then endeavour to prepare for a be- 
lieving and profitable communion season. 

PRAYER. 

Blessed Redeemer, I praise thee for the 
institution of thy holy supper. I thank thee 
that, in circumstances so distressing, when 
thou hadst before thee all that thou wast 
about to suffer in the garden, in the palace of 
the high-priest, in the hall of Pilate, and on 
the cross, thou didst not forget thy disciples. 



PRAYER. 17 

Then thou didst provide this memorial of thy 
love, this feast for the welfare, comfort, and 
edification of thy Church, to the end of time. 

May I highly prize this ordinance, and 
rightly appreciate the high honour conferred 
on me, and the precious privilege granted to 
me, in being permitted to commune with thy 
people, and with thee, my Lord and Master ! 
May my heart rejoice at every announce- 
ment that this precious supper will be again 
administered in the church of which I am a 
member! 

Surely it becomes me to make a suitable 
preparation for taking my seat at a table 
covered with so rich feast. Grant, Lord, 
that I may come, having on the wedding gar- 
ment, that I may meet with thy approbation, 
my King and my God. Incline my heart to 
meditate seriously and solemnly on all those 
interesting topics that will claim my atten- 
tion; to examine myself; to recollect my sins 
and renew my repentance; to dedicate my- 
self again to thee, my Saviour; to exercise 
my faith in thy atoning blood and justifying 
righteousness ; and to pour forth my suppli- 
cations for pardoning mercy and sanctifying 

grace. May it be a sweet and refreshing 
2# 



18 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

season to my soul, and to the souls of all com- 
municants! May we meet with the Lord 
our Redeemer at his table, and enjoy commu- 
nion with him, and with one another ! Grant 
my prayer, for thy name's sake. Amen. 



MEDITATION II. 

THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

How wonderful the object presented by the 
ordinance of the Lord's supper for the con- 
templation of the invited guests ! Nothing 
less than the Son of God nailed to the ac- 
cursed cross; dying in shame and ignominy, 
bearing our sins and the wrath of the Al- 
mighty, to satisfy the demands of his justice, 
and thus make full expiation for them. " Be- 
hold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the 
sin of the world!" 

In vain shall we search elsewhere for such 
a spectacle. Its like is not to be found in any 
other part of the universe. This earth, cursed 
as it is by sin, has alone, of all the worlds in 
the boundless dominions of the Almighty, 



THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 19 

been blessed and honoured with the amazing 
spectacle. 

Taught by the first great promise an- 
nounced to our first parents, immediately- 
after their fall, concerning the Seed of the 
woman, who was to bruise the serpent's 
head, our apostate race began, from the be- 
ginning, to expect a deliverer from the ruin 
that sin had brought on the world. With the 
revolution of ages, as new light was imparted, 
by prophecy and promise, to the Church, be- 
lievers were sustained in their expectations, 
and enabled to look, through the types and 
ceremonies, with greater clearness, for the 
coming of the Messiah. Thus were the eyes 
of the whole Church, and their longing ex- 
pectations, directed to him, till his advent in 
the flesh. 

And since his appearance in the world, and 
the accomplishment of his mighty work on 
earth, the eyes of the Church have been 
turned to his cross, and will be turned to it, 
to the end of time, as the great object of 
their faith, and the source of their redemption. 
To it they look, and will look, for peace, 
and comfort, and hope, and joy, and eternal 
life. 



20 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

From the first intimation of God's merciful 
designs towards our fallen world, angels, 
those holy and exalted creatures that inhabit 
heaven, and stand around the throne of the 
Most High, have felt a deep interest in the 
mystery of redemption. With delight they 
have, in all ages, ministered unto the heirs of 
salvation. How joyfully they announced the 
Saviour's birth to the shepherds on the fields 
of Bethlehem, and sang the song, " Glory to 
God in the highest; and on earth, peace, 
good- will toward men." When Jesus had in 
the wilderness repelled the tempter, an Evan- 
gelist says, " Behold, angels came and minis- 
tered unto him;" and another Evangelist 
says, after narrating his agony in the garden, 
" And there appeared an angel from heaven, 
strengthening him." At his resurrection, the 
angel of the Lord descended from heaven, 
and rolling back from the sepulchre the stone, 
sat upon it, with a countenance like lightning, 
and raiment white as snow, terrifying the 
Roman guard, so that they became as dead 
men. And when our Lord ascended to hea- 
ven, two angels assured his wondering dis- 
ciples, that he would hereafter come again, 
in like manner as they saw him go into hea- 



THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 21 

ven. And ever since, these exalted spirits 
have employed their mighty intellects in 
studying the great mystery of redemption; 
for Peter, when speaking of the salvation of 
Christ, says, "which things the angels desire 
to look into." 

Still more is the cross of Christ to be mag- 
nified : for the eye of God himself has, from 
the ages of eternity, rested upon it, as the 
development of that great mystery of his 
will, that is to fill this world, heaven itself, 
and all other worlds, with the fullest exhibi- 
tion of his glory. The cross is the centre of 
Jehovah's moral government. Here peace 
is made between heaven and earth. " For he 
is our peace, who hath made both one, and 
hath broken down the middle wall of parti- 
tion between us : having abolished in his flesh 
the enmity, even the law of commandments 
contained in ordinances ; for to make in him- 
self of twain one new man, so making peace ; 
and that he might reconcile both unto God in 
one body by the cross, having slain the en- 
mity thereby: and came and preached to you 
which were afar off, and to them that were 
nigh. For through him we both have access 
by one Spirit unto the Father." And " in 



22 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

the dispensation of the fulness of time God 
will gather in one all things in Christ, both 
which are in heaven, and which are on earth, 
even in him; of whom the whole family in 
heaven and earth is named." Ephes. ii. 14- 
18; i. 10; iii. 15. 

From the cross of Christ an influence has 
gone forth, that has been felt by the affairs of 
mankind, both before and since his coming 
into the world. In reference to it a whole 
nation was selected by God, as his chosen 
people, and a place prepared for them among 
the nations of the earth. They were guarded 
by a peculiar and miraculous providence, 
and instructed by a long line of inspired 
teachers and prophets. The affairs of other 
nations were controlled by a regard to the 
cross; and so extensive dominion was given 
to the Roman empire, that the way might be 
prepared for the preaching of the cross, and 
the establishment of the Church in the Gentile 
world. 

Ever since, the affairs of nations have felt 
the influence of this wonderful transaction. 
They have prospered, or declined, as they 
regarded or disregarded the gospel of Christ 
crucified. And hereafter the cross will be 



THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 23 

lifted up on high ; and to it will all nations 
flock, as the fountain of peace, of life, of holi- 
ness, of happiness, and of glory. 

And the cross will be the object of delight- 
ful contemplation and profound study, and 
the subject of joyous conversation, to re- 
deemed saints and to holy angels, throughout 
the endless ages of eternity; and for ever will 
be sung in heaven by the ransomed ones the 
song, "Unto him that loved us and washed 
us in his own blood, and hath made us kings 
and priests unto God and his Father; to him 
be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
Amen." 

The cross of Jesus Christ is the centre, 
which throws its light on the whole circle of 
divine truth. Here, then, at the foot of the 
cross of my Lord and Saviour, let me stand, 
and look around. What a circle of rich and 
invaluable truths meets my eyes ! I see all 
the great and leading facts and truths of 
divine revelation. The apostasy of our race, 
— the superiority of the Christian dispensa- 
tion — the glory of God shining in the face of 
Christ — the divine person of our Redeemer 
— his infinite condescension and profound 
humiliation — his holy life, and painful suffer- 



24 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ings and agonizing death — his triumphant re- 
surrection and glorious ascension into heaven 
— his session at God's right hand and inter- 
cession there — his coming again to judge the 
world, and consummate the salvation of his 
people — the all-sufficiency of his atonement 
and righteousness, and rich and invaluable 
benefits — his free and boundless love — the 
evil of sin — the duty of self-examination and 
self-dedication : all these facts and truths are 
connected with, and illustrated by, the cross 
of Christ. These are the topics on which it 
is proper for Christians to meditate in pre- 
paring their minds and hearts for an accept- 
able and profitable approach to the Lord's 
table. 

What attractions in the cross of my Re- 
deemer ! Gaze, my soul, at it, with wonder 
and delight. Look at it again and again. 
Never lose sight of it. Behold the glory of it, 
that thou mayest be assimilated unto its like- 
ness. 

PRAYER. 

Most high and holy God, may I love to 
contemplate the cross of thy Son! How 



PRAYER. 25 

amazing the spectacle ! In infinite mercy 
thou wast pleased to honour our fallen world, 
by making it the seat of a transaction more 
wonderful, than any to be found in any other 
world in thy vast dominions. Before the 
eyes of our rebellious race, thou hast lifted 
up thy well-beloved Son, agonizing and dying 
on the cross, as the appointed sacrifice for sin, 
that they might look to Him and be healed of 
their wounds, and live. 

Oh ! grant that my eyes may ever be direct- 
ed to this wonderful spectacle. May I never 
forget it, but gaze at it with increasing delight. 
May I undertand the great design for which 
my Lord and Saviour was covered with 
ignominy, and died in pain and agony; and 
thus, by faith, see a glory beaming forth from 
the cross of insufferable brightness. May I 
there behold the most illustrious exhibition of 
thy glory, and the great salvation provided 
for our rebellious race. May I see how the 
cross is connected with, and throws its light 
upon, the great truths and facts recorded in 
the Bible. May I contemplate it as the 
grand centre of all thy dispensations towards 
the children of men ; as the source of peace 
and friendship, of holiness and happiness ; as 
3 



26 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

uniting all holy beings in heaven and on 
earth into one glorious society under Christ 
as the blessed Head. Beholding the glory of 
the cross, may I be changed into the same 
image, from glory to glory, even by the Spirit 
of our God. May I embrace the cross by 
faith, and glory in nothing but the cross ; and 
feel it crucifying the world to me, and lifting 
my affections above all its allurements, hon- 
ours and pleasures; and setting them on 
heavenly objects, where my Saviour reigns 
in ineffable glory. Hear me, Lord, for 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



MEDITATION III. 

THE APOSTASY OF THE HUMAN RACE. 

When we look at the cross, and behold the 
Son of God expiring on it, we are naturally 
led to inquire after the cause of that wonder- 
ful event. Why did He suffer and die ? He 
was perfectly free from sin, and was holy, both 
in heart and in life. He loved his Father, and 
always did his will ; and he was beloved of 



APOSTASY OF MAN. 27 

his Father, who delighted in him as his only 
begotten Son. He could not then suffer for 
his own sins ; for he had none. Yet he suf- 
fered, and suffered dreadfully. Why ? There 
was a sufficient cause; so that the Father, 
while he loved him most endearingly, could, 
consistently with this love which he never 
ceased to feel towards him, and consistently 
with his justice, afflict and bruise him, and 
put him to grief and shame. What was that 
cause ? The apostle Peter answers the ques- 
tion, as the prophet Isaiah had done ages 
before. When, speaking of the Redeemer, 
he says : " Who his own self bare our sins in 
his own body on the tree, that we, being dead 
to sins, should live unto God, 1 Pet. ii. 24 ; 
for Christ also hath suffered for sins, the just 
for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." 
1 Pet. iii. 18. 

Here is the reason of the amazing spectacle, 
exhibited on mount Calvary to the view of 
the world. The sins of mankind were the 
cause. Had not man apostatized from God, 
and brought ruin on himself and all his pos- 
terity, that amazing spectacle would never 
have been seen by our eyes. It was to 
redeem us from just, deserved, and helpless 



28 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ruin and misery, that the Saviour bled and 
died upon the cross. 

That man is a fallen, sinful, guilty creature, 
we find the most abundant and convincing 
proof. Of this mournful fact I am surround- 
ed daily with incontestable evidences. I look 
at my friends and acquaintances, and what do 
I see 1 Unfallen, sinless creatures? Not one 
such can I find. All exhibit marks of de- 
pravity. What forgetfulness of God, and dis- 
regard of his favour, and violation of his hoi/ 
commandments, do I see ! Some indeed are 
penitent and believing, the disciples of Christ, 
and friends of God. But they are imperfect- 
ly sanctified, and most ready to acknowledge 
the native depravity of their hearts, and to 
lament their remaining imperfections and 
failures in duty. The rest, with few excep- 
tions, are moving on in the journey of life, 
unprepared for death, and thoughtless of a 
judgment to come. 

Wherever I go, and however I extend my 
intercourse with my fellow creatures, I find 
the same evidence of human depravity. 
What mean our courts of justice, our prisons 
and penitentiaries, the bolts and bars by 
which we secure our houses? What mean 



APOSTASY OF MAN. 29 

disease, famine, pestilence, and death? Are 
they not all proofs of human depravity ? 

What is the history of mankind, but a his- 
tory of wars, bloodshed and crimes ? Where, 
in any part of its universal pages can be 
found the history of any portion of our race, 
however small, who have lived in the love of 
God, and in love to one another, free from 
selfishness and covetousness, envy and ambi- 
tion, lust and impurity — passions that every 
where are seen working out crimes and 
misery in this fallen world? 

If I open the Bible, I see, from the begin- 
ning to the end of its inspired pages, the 
plainest proofs of the fall and sinfulness of 
man. In the first pages, written by Moses, I 
see that Adam was created upright, in the 
image and likeness of his Creator. He was 
a holy, sinless, and happy creature, rejoicing 
in the favour and love of God. But soon, 
through the power of temptation, which he 
had ample power to resist, he fell from his 
holy and happy condition, by transgressing 
the commandment of his God. I read the 
sentence pronounced on him and his guilty 
companion, by their offended Maker and 
righteous Judge. I see them expelled in 
3# 



30 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

anger from their delightful garden, and com- 
pelled to labour and toil, and eat their bread 
in the sweat of their brow. Oh ! if they had 
not sinned, this whole earth would have been 
one extended garden of delight, in which 
their holy posterity would have been seen 
living under the smiles of their God ! But, 
alas! children are born to the guilty pair; 
and soon it becomes manifest, that they are 
like their common parents, depraved. " The 
Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offer- 
ing ; but unto Cain and to his offering he had 
not respect." Moved by envy at the prefer- 
ence which God was pleased to show to his 
younger brother, Cain wickedly slew him. 

The human race is multiplied; and, with 
the increase of men, wickedness is so multi- 
plied, that Moses writes, " And it repented 
the Lord that he had made man on the earth, 
and it grieved him at his heart." God deter- 
mined to bring a flood upon an ungodly 
world. It comes, and sweeps away, with 
the besom of destruction, the whole race of 
sinners, with the exception of Noah and his 
family. What an awful monument of human 
depravity and of God's righteous indignation 
against sin! 



APOSTASY OF MAN. 31 

The history of Noah's descendants, written 
with the pen of inspiration, discovers the 
same stream of depravity flowing through 
every generation. That peculiar people, se- 
parated by God's providence from the rest of 
mankind, for the maintenance of his worship 
and religion in the world, forms no exception. 
Throughout their whole history, written by 
inspired men, I see the most incontestable 
evidence of the great wickedness of the 
human heart. 

I read the epistle of the apostle Paul to the 
Romans, and what increasing evidence is pre- 
sented of the apostasy and ruin of our race! 
How deplorable the description he gives of 
the great wickedness of Gentile nations, (chap, 
i.) and how clearly he proves, from their 
own scriptures, (chap, ii., iii.) that the Jews 
were no better ! How conclusive his argu- 
ment, that no flesh can be justified by the 
works of the law before God ; and that all, 
without exception, stand in perishing need of 
the redemption of Jesus Christ; whose right- 
eousness by faith " is unto all and upon all 
them that believe ; for there is no difference ; 
for all have sinned, and come short of the 
glory of God." Rom. iii. 20—31. 



32 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

My soul, what overwhelming evidence is 
here of the apostasy, depravity, and ruin of 
the race of creatures to which I belong ! And 
does not my personal history prove most 
clearly that I am involved in guilt, sin, and 
misery? How soon evidence of my depraved 
heart appeared! What selfishness, envy, 
evil desires, began early to work within my 
bosom, and bring forth the deeds of sin ! How 
forgetful of God and his service ! How wan- 
dering have been my thoughts and eyes in 
his sanctuary ! How can I answer for the 
guilt contracted, in times past, in this man- 
ner, while professedly hearing his blessed 
word, and presenting worship to infinite Ma- 
jesty? How long I lived without God, and 
without Christ in the world ! How, while 
thus estranged from my Creator, and follow- 
ing the wayward inclinations of my heart, 
did my corruption increase in strength ! and 
had not the restraints of his providence and 
grace held me back, to what lengths of ini- 
quity might I not have gone ! and into what 
depths of guilt might I not have plunged! 
Ah ! how much I needed the redemption of 
Jesus Christ ! What eye but his pitied me in 
my fallen condition? and what arm but his 



PRAYER. 33 

could deliver me from the terrible pit into 
which I had fallen? What blood but his 
could wash away my guilt? and what but his 
spotless righteousness could cover my naked- 
ness, and render so polluted and vile a sinner 
acceptable in the sight of infinite purity ! And 
although I am permitted to entertain the 
hope of having been renewed and sanctified 
by divine grace, yet I feel the workings of 
much evil in my heart, and a proneness to 
wander from my God. Blessed Jesus, I com- 
mit myself to thee. Cleanse me daily from 
my sins by thy blood. Keep around me the 
glorious robe of thy righteousness. Guide 
me by thy Spirit. Strengthen me by thy 
grace. Defend me by thy power. Perfect 
thy work in me ; and bring me safely to thy 
heavenly kingdom. Amen. 

PRAYER. 

Most holy God, when I look to the cross 
of my Redeemer, I see the most convincing 
evidence of the fall of our race; for had not 
man been guilty and depraved, that wonder- 
ful spectacle on Calvary would never have 
been witnessed on the earth. 



34 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

All my friends and acquaintances I find to 
be corrupt in their nature. All are sinners. 
No where can I find an individual who is 
free from sin. The whole frame of civil 
society attests the mournful fact, that our 
race is apostate from God, by the provision 
it makes for restraining the hand of violence, 
and punishing crimes. And thou, most right- 
eous Jehovah, hast, in thy providence, by the 
various diseases and calamities brought upon 
the world, proclaimed the mournful truth, 
that thou art angry with us for our rebellious 
conduct; and in thy word thou hast taught 
us the origin of our depravity, and exposed 
to view the polluted fountain that has sent 
forth its bitter and poisonous streams over all 
the earth, and through every nation under 
heaven. 

And when I look into my own heart, I see 
how vile it is — what lusts and wicked pas- 
sions have defiled it, and prompted those sin- 
ful acts that have disgraced my life. How 
much it becomes me to lie in the dust at thy 
feet, O my offended Creator, and to implore 
thy forgiving mercy! Deeply impress my 
mind, I beseech thee, with an abiding con- 
viction of my native depravity and contracted 



CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. 35 

guilt ; that I may always feel my need of the 
atoning blood and cleansing grace of Jesus 
Christ. Forgive my sins, and sanctify my 
nature, for his sake. Amen. 



MEDITATION IV. 

THE SUPERIORITY OF THE CHRISTIAN DISPEN- 
SATION. 

Before the wonderful scene on Calvary had 
been exhibited to the view of the Church, and 
while Jesus yet lived on the earth, he said to 
his apostles, " Blessed are your eyes, for they 
see: and your ears, for they hear. For 
verily I say unto you, that many prophets 
and righteous men have desired to see those 
things which ye see, and have not seen them ; 
and to hear those things which ye hear, and 
have not heard them." And yet, at that 
time, the apostles were so imperfectly en- 
lightened in regard to the great facts of the 
gospel, that, when Jesus spake of his ap- 
proaching death and resurrection, they could 
not understand his meaning. See Matt. xvi. 



36 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

21-23. Mark ix. 31, 32. Luke xviii. 31-34. 
Subsequently to the Saviour's death, when 
the apostles had been fully enlightened in the 
mysteries of the gospel, Peter writes (1 Pet. 
i. 10-12): "Of which salvation the prophets 
have inquired and searched diligently, who 
prophesied of the grace that should come 
unto you : searching what, or what manner 
of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in 
them did signify, when it testified before- 
hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory 
that should follow. Unto whom it was re- 
vealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us 
they did minister the things, which are now 
reported unto you by them which have 
preached the gospel unto you with the Holy 
Ghost sent down from heaven; which things 
the angels desire to look into." 

The Jews looked through types, sacrifices 
and ceremonies, predictions and promises, 
and saw dimly and obscurely, the great 
events that have been set before us in the 
clearest light. And even the prophets who 
were inspired to foretell these great events, 
studied their own prophecies, that they might 
understand the import of the words they 
uttered, under the dictation of the Holy 



CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. 37 

Spirit; but they were unable to discover it; 
and were instructed by the Spirit, that the 
favour sought by them was reserved for the 
Church, when their predictions should be ful- 
filled. The Jews had the types; we have 
the realization of the types: they had the 
sacrifices ; we, the end, the great sacrifice, to 
which they pointed: they studied the pro- 
phecies ; we, their fulfilment. The Jews had 
the sign; we, the thing signified: they enjoyed 
the shadow; we, the substance. On them the 
day dawned dimly ; on us it sheds its meri- 
dian light. 

The Jews looked for a Saviour, who was 
to come, whose character, offices and work 
they imperfectly understood. We look to a 
Saviour, who has come, assumed his several 
offices and accomplished his glorious work. 
We have seen him come into the world, ap- 
pear in our nature, live, and suffer, and die; 
and then rise from the dead, ascend into 
heaven, take his seat at the right hand of 
God, and reign Head over all things for his 
Church. The plan of salvation has been 
completely unfolded to our view; the way to 
heaven plainly marked out before our eyes. 
We are told, in the plainest words, what we 
4 



38 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

are to believe and do to be saved; that for 
salvation we are to rely, not on our own 
works, but on the atonement and righteous- 
ness of Christ. 

So superior is the Christian dispensation in 
light; and equally distinguished is it by the 
measure of the Spirit granted to us who live 
under it. " This spake he of the Spirit, which 
they that believe on him should receive : for 
the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because 
that Jesus was not yet glorified." John vii. 
39. This passage is not to be understood, as 
if it meant that the Spirit had not been here- 
tofore imparted to the children of men. In 
every age he has wrought by his common 
and special grace. He was the life of the 
Church in all periods, and under every dis- 
pensation. This awful warning is early found 
on the records of inspiration; — "My Spirit 
shall not always strive with man." Gen. vi. 3. 
It only means that a much larger measure 
of the Spirit, was to be imparted under the 
approaching economy, that was to bless the 
Church, after the exaltation of her glorious 
Head. This was the coronation gift of her 
ascended King, most munificently bestowed 
on the apostles and other disciples, that 



CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. 39 

qualified them for the work of founding and 
edifying the Christian Church, — a gift still 
bestowed on the Church since that blessed 
day, in every successive age, in a greater or 
less degree. 

The present dispensation is characterized 
too by superior privileges bestowed on the 
Church. The ancient Church was, indeed, 
compared with other nations, near unto God, 
who had taken her into covenant relation, 
and denominated Israel his " chosen ;" yet she 
was kept at a distance, and subject to carnal 
ordinances, and a yoke hard to bear. But 
once a year the high-priest alone of all the 
chosen tribes, was permitted to enter into the 
most holy place, with blood, which he offered 
for himself and for the errors of the people, — 
a restriction by which the Holy Ghost signi- 
fied "that the way into the holiest of all was 
not yet made manifest." Heb. ix. 7, 8. But 
since the one offering of our great High- 
priest, " by which he hath perfected for ever 
them that are sanctified," (Heb. x. 14,) the 
way into the holiest is made manifest ; and 
every believing Christian has liberty to enter 
into that most sacred place, not once in a 



40 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

year, but daily; and by prayer and supplica- 
tion converse with infinite Majesty, seated on 
the mercy-seat. What a privilege ! Come, 
then, my soul, relying on thy great High- 
priest, " boldly unto the throne of grace, to 
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time 
of need." Heb. x. 19—22; iv. 14—16. 

Corresponding with this precious privilege 
of prayer, is the filial temper that distinguishes 
the present dispensation. The worship of 
ancient saints, owing to the imperfection of 
the economy under which they lived, was 
marred by servile fear. Not such is Chris- 
tian worship. That, by the aid of the Holy 
Spirit, is offered with a filial temper. " For," 
says Paul, " ye have not received the spirit 
of bondage again to fear; but ye have re- 
ceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby we 
cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth 
witness with our spirits, that w r e are the chil- 
dren of God." Rom. viii. 15, 16. Jesus 
Christ redeems his people from the law, that 
they may receive the adoption of sons : " And 
because ye are sons," says Paul, " God hath 
sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your 
hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore 



CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. 41 

thou art no more a servant, but a son ; and if 
a son, then an heir of God through Christ." 
Gal. iv. 4—7. 

Finally, the Christian dispensation is dis- 
tinguished by brighter hopes in reference to 
the future world. Ancient believers were 
acquainted with the great facts, the resurrec- 
tion of the body, and a life to come. But an 
inspired writer, speaking of Jesus Christ, 
writes, " Who hath abolished death, and hath 
brought life and immortality to light through 
the gospel." 2 Tim. i. 10. How plain the 
instructions of the great Teacher ! " Marvel 
not at this : for the hour is coming, in the 
which all that are in the graves shall hear his 
voice, and shall come forth : they that have 
done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and 
they that have done evil, unto the resurrec- 
tion of damnation." John v. 28, 29. " My 
sheep hear my voice and they follow me ; and 
I give unto them eternal life; and they shall 
never perish, neither shall any pluck them out 
of my hands." John x. 27, 28. " Let not 
your hearts be troubled : ye believe in God, 
believe also in me. In my Father's house 
are many mansions : if it were not so, I 
would have told you. I go to prepare a place 
4# 



42 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

for you. And if I go and prepare a place 
for you, I will come again, and receive you 
to myself; that where I am, there ye may be 
also." John xiv. 1 — 3. How many pas- 
sages of Scripture might be here repeated ! 
See 2 Tim. iv. 6—8. 1 Cor. xv. 42—58. 2 
Cor. v. 1—8. 

So superior in light — in the gift of the 
Spirit — in privileges — in free and filial inter- 
course with God — and in hope of future 
blessedness, is the Christian dispensation! 
Comparing the ministration of the law with 
the ministration of the Spirit, the apostle says, 
in conclusion : " For if the ministration of 
condemnation be glory, much more doth the 
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 
For even that which was made glorious had 
no glory in this respect, by reason of the 
glory that excelleth. For if that which was 
done away was glorious, much more that 
which remaineth is glorious." 2 Cor. iii. 
6—11. 

Thus highly favoured, living under such a 
dispensation of light and privileges, of the 
Spirit, and of immortal hopes, how should 
Christians be distinguished by a conduct pure 
and heavenly ! Awake, my soul, shake off 



PRAYER. 43 

thy slumbers and sluggishness, and strive to 
act up to thy privileges. Show thy gratitude 
to God for what he has done for thee. Live 
by faith. Aspire after a better world. Be 
humble and holy, watchful and heavenly. 
Endeavour to shine as a light in this dark 
world. Prepare to meet thy coming Saviour 
and Lord. 

PRAYER. 

Merciful God, I bless thee that thou wast 
pleased to give me birth under the new and 
better dispensation of grace. Thou hast great- 
ly distinguished the Christian above thine 
ancient Church. I praise thee for that supe- 
rior light and those richer spiritual influences, 
which thou hast bestowed on thy people 
under the present economy. I bless thee for 
those superior privileges, and the adoption of 
sons which thou hast vouchsafed to us ; that 
we are no longer kept at a distance from 
thee, but are permitted to come into the 
holiest of all, through the rent veil, that is, 
the flesh of Christ, and make the nearest ap- 
proach to thy Majesty on the mercy-seat, and 
converse with thee by prayer, thanksgivings 



44 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

and praise, with confidence of a gracious 
audience, and the assurance of a merciful 
answer. I thank thee for the Spirit of adop- 
tion, to form our hearts to a filial temper, and 
to enable us to call thee " Abba, Father." 
I bless thee for those brighter hopes which 
thou dost inspire in our hearts, by the clearer 
revelation which thou hast afforded in regard 
to a future world, and by the better promises 
of the gospel of our Redeemer. 

Grant me grace, I beseech thee, my hea- 
venly Father, duly to appreciate the state in 
which thou hast been pleased to place me, 
and carefully to improve these superior and 
distinguishing privileges. Let me live near 
to my God, and enjoy that sweet and delight- 
ful intercourse, which I am invited to cherish 
and cultivate. Give me, I entreat thee, a 
spiritual and heavenly mind. Call off my 
affections from things below, and set them on 
things above. Let the same mind be in me 
that was in Christ Jesus. Hear me, for his 
sake. Amen. 



THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CROSS. 45 

MEDITATION V. 

THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CROSS. 

In the cross of Christ, how does the glory of 
God shine ! " God, who commanded the light 
to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our 
hearts to give the light of the knowledge of 
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 
2 Cor. iv. 6. 

The glory of God is his perfections ; where 
these are seen, his glory is seen. He loves 
his own glory; and the great end of all his 
works, is the exhibition of his glory, or the 
display of his infinite perfections. His per- 
fections accordingly are exhibited in creation 
and providence ; but more clearly and fully 
(and especially his moral attributes) in re- 
demption. 

His wisdom, for example, is exhibited in 
creation. In the arrangement of land and 
water; in the structure of the earth, as a 
habitation for man, and the various orders of 
inferior creatures ; in the senses and organs 
of human bodies; in the admirable adapta- 
tion of light to the eye, and of sounds to 



46 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

the ear ; in the formation of the tongue and 
lips for articulate enunciation of the voice ; in 
the constitution and position of the sun in our 
system, for imparting light and heat to this 
earth and her sister planets ; and in ten thou- 
sand other particulars that might be men- 
tioned, the wisdom of God is manifested. So, 
in the provision made by divine Providence 
for the sustentation and nourishment of men 
and other creatures, and in controlling and 
superintending their actions, the same attri- 
bute is displayed. 

But in the work of redemption God has 
made a brighter exhibition of his wisdom. 
In the person of the Redeemer, in his media- 
tion, in his substitution in the sinner's place, 
and in the result of his sufferings and death, 
there is a wonderful display of infinite wis- 
dom. The plan of salvation was far beyond 
the conception of created intelligence. None 
could tell whether the salvation of fallen man 
was possible. To heavenly beings he ap- 
peared for ever ruined by his apostasy. But, 
behold, the infinite Mind brings forth the 
wonderous scheme, by which every obstacle 
in the way of his restoration to the divine 
favour, and the recovery of his lost holiness, 



THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CROSS. 47 

is removed. Justice is satisfied, and the sin- 
ner saved. Sin is pardoned, and yet sin is 
punished. The rebel is released, and yet 
government is maintained. God is glorified, 
while he exercises his boundless mercy in 
forgiving and saving guilty and rebellious 
creatures, who had ungratefully broken his 
laws, and daringly insulted his infinite Ma- 
jesty. 

The justice of God has been signally dis- 
played in his dealings with our race. In the 
expulsion of our first parents from paradise ; 
in the curse pronounced that caused the earth 
to bring forth thorns and thistles, and to de- 
mand from man laborious culture, in order 
to obtain its fruits ; in the general and over- 
whelming deluge ; in the fires of Sodom and 
Gomorrah ; in wars, famine, and pestilence ; 
in diseases and death, justice is fearfully dis- 
played. And it may be seen in all its fearful 
terrors, in the fires kindled up for tormenting 
devils and lost men. 

But in the cross, in the sufferings and death 
of Jesus Christ, God has given the strongest 
and the most convincing demonstration of his 
strict and inflexible justice. There we see, 
that sin cannot escape punishment ; that the 



48 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

claims of justice must be satisfied, or the 
sinner cannot be pardoned. God "spared 
not his own Son, but delivered him up for us 
all." Rom. viii. 32. The cup of suffering 
could not pass from his lips. He drank up 
its very dregs. Nothing was abated in his 
favour. A full equivalent of sufferings was 
exacted from him. How awful is divine 
justice when we look at the cross ! Let 
sinners tremble. And thou, my soul, stand 
in awe of this frowning attribute of thy God ! 
How delightfully shines forth in the cross 
of our Redeemer the love of God ! That God 
is a benevolent being we have ample proof 
in creation and in providence. The produc- 
tion of innumerable sensitive creatures, en- 
dowed with various capacities for enjoyment; 
the provision made for satisfying their diver- 
sified appetites and desires ; the senses of the 
human body, which are so many sources of 
pleasure ; the endearing relations constituted, 
by divine wisdom, in domestic life, between 
husbands and wives, parents and children, 
brothers and sisters; the structure and in- 
tercourse of social life; and the numerous 
sources of enjoyment opened in creation and 



THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CROSS. 49 

providence — all proclaim the benevolence of 
the Almighty. 

But in redemption we see his amazing 
goodness and mercy. He is seen to be not 
only benevolent, but to be love. " God so 
loved the world, that he gave his only be- 
gotten Son, that w r hosoever believeth in him, 
should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
"In this was manifested the love of God to- 
ward us, because that God sent his only be- 
gotten Son into the world, that we might live 
through him. Herein is love, not that we 
loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his 
Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 
"Behold, what manner of love the Father 
hath bestowed upon us, that we should be 
called the sons of God." " But God com- 
mendeth his love towards us, in that, while 
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 
John iii. 16. 1 John iv. 9, 10; iii. 1. Rom. 
v. 8. In such warm language the sacred 
writers speak on this animating subject. 

Benevolence to unoffending creatures is 
not surprising. The goodness of the Creator 
toward our first parents, while in a state of 
innocence, and his signal favours bestowed 
on holy angels, call for the warmest grati- 



50 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

tude and praise. But his pardoning mercy 
and distinguishing love shown to our fallen 
race, how wonderful! When we consider 
the condition of sinful man, that he had 
apostatized from his Creator, and rendered 
himself guilty and vile by his pollution; that 
he was in a state of enmity to God, and felt 
no disposition to return, but was w r andering 
more and more from his God, an object, not 
of mercy, but of incensed justice, how won- 
derful that his offended Sovereign should 
not only pity, but set his love upon him ; 
when there was no way for his redemption, 
but by the humiliation, and sufferings, and 
death of his own beloved Son ! How amazing 
is it, that the ever blessed Jehovah, who 
stood in no need of the services of our 
miserable race, but could, with a word, have 
called another world into existence, filled 
with nobler creatures, and established in holi- 
ness, to rejoice in his favours, and to delight 
in offering the homage of grateful and loving 
hearts, and continual and lofty praise, to him 
from whom they received their being, and all 
their endowments and blessedness ; how amaz- 
ing that the all-sufficient Jehovah, whose 
name would have been unblemished, if he had 



THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CROSS. 51 

left us to perish in our sins, should freely love 
us, and determine, in a way so extraordinary, 
to save us, and raise us to happiness and 
glory, greater than we should have attained 
if we had never sinned ! 

In this illustrious manner, the glory of 
God, his wisdom, justice, and love, shine 
forth in the cross of Jesus Christ, his own 
Son. Dwell, my soul, upon this glorious 
subject. Meditate upon it again and again ? 
that thou mayest feel its transforming in- 
fluence, by inflaming thy love, awakening 
thy penitence, increasing thy zeal, and ex- 
citing thy desires for holiness in heart and 
life. " But we all, with open face, beholding 
as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are 
changed into the same image from glory to 
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 
2 Cor. iii. 18. The glory of God assimilates 
into his own likeness those who contemplate 
it. Let me love the glory of God, and con- 
template it, with the eye of faith, that I may 
participate in its assimilating influence, and 
by the light and grace of the Holy Spirit, be 
changed into the glorious image of my God. 



52 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

PRAYER. 

Great and Almighty God, I praise thee for 
the display of thy glory in thy works, and 
especially for that brighter exhibition of it in 
the cross of Jesus Christ. I see thy wisdom 
in the arrangements of creation, and in the 
order of thy providence ; but I see thy wis- 
dom more illustriously displayed in the salva- 
tion of fallen man, by the sufferings and death 
of thine own Son. 

Thy justice has been terribly manifested by 
the judgments inflicted on our apostate race; 
but how much more fearfully manifested 
was it in the punishment inflicted on thy well 
beloved Son, for the sins of his people ! 
Thou hast shown thy benevolence in the pro- 
duction of so many sensitive creatures of 
various capacities for enjoyment, and in the 
provision made for supplying them with ap- 
propriate pleasures; but in the plan of re- 
demption, and in the gift of thy Son for our 
salvation, thou hast unfolded thy heart, and 
shown thyself to be love. 

Oh ! may I love to trace thy perfections in 
thy works and ways, but especially as they 
shine in the work of redemption. May I love 



THE PERSON OF OUR REDEEMER. 53 

the glory of my God ; and, by contemplating 
it, may I find myself changed into thy blessed 
image ; inspired with hatred of sin, and with 
love to holiness. May I long for that bright 
display of thy glory, which beams around 
the spirits of just men made perfect, and fills 
them with unutterable blessedness, and calls 
forth rapturous songs of praise to God and 
the Lamb. Grant my prayer, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



MEDITATION VI. 

THE PERSON OF OUR REDEEMER. 

How important is it for me and others, to 
know the true character of our Redeemer ! 
We ought to understand well the foundation 
on which we rest our hopes for eternity ; and 
to be assured, that he to whom we commit 
our immortal interests, is fully able to secure 
them against all dangers. 

Who, my soul, is He to whom thou hast 
committed thyself? Is he able to sustain the 
high office of Mediator between offended 
5* 



54 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Majesty and his offending and rebellious crea- 
tures ? Can he atone for thy sins, and the 
sins of the world ? Can he furnish thee and 
all who confide in him, with that perfect 
righteousness which the law demands, and 
without which no sinner can be admitted into 
heaven? Is he able to deliver thee out of the 
hands of all those malignant enemies, who 
seek thy ruin, and bring thee safely to his 
eternal kingdom? Is there sufficient reason 
to warrant thee to place the most unlimited 
confidence in him for every thing that thou 
canst need or desire ? Blessed be God, there 
are ample grounds for such confidence ! Re- 
joice, my soul; thou mayest safely trust in 
thy Redeemer. He has all power to save 
thee, and all who trust in him. 

But let me review the grounds of my hope, 
and thus strengthen my faith. Who is my 
Redeemer ? He is just what the exigencies 
of my condition require. He is God and man 
in one Divine Person. 

I look to the cross, and there I behold one 
in human form, nailed to the accursed tree, 
bleeding and dying in shame and ignominy. 
Can I doubt that he was a man, when he 
was seen as such by every eye that saw him 



THE PERSON OF OUR REDEEMER. 55 

suspended on the cross? His body was 
scourged by Pilate's orders; his temples torn 
by a crown of thorns; his hands and feet 
were nailed to the cross; his body was then 
lifted up on the cross which was thrust violently 
into the place prepared, that he might die a 
lingering and agonizing death; and his side 
was afterwards pierced with a spear. From 
the wound came forth blood and water; sure 
proofs of his death. " Behold my hands and 
my fee t, v said he to his terrified disciples, who 
imagined him to be a spirit, " that it is I my- 
self: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not 
flesh and bones, as ye see me have." 

I read the gospels, and there I learn, that 
my Redeemer was conceived by the Holy 
Ghost in the womb of a virgin, born in the 
appointed time, and wrapped, like other human 
infants, in swaddling bands. Like other men 
he ate and drank, hungered and thirsted, 
became weary and needed rest. He slept 
and awoke, walked and conversed with his 
disciples. In a word, he had all the proper- 
ties and sinless infirmities of human nature. 
I learn that he had also a rational soul, en- 
dowed with faculties of understanding, will, 
and affections. Of him it is written: "And 



56 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and 
in favour with God and man." Of himself 
he said in the garden of Gethsemane, " My 
soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto 
death." 

But, while my Redeemer possessed a per- 
fect human nature, a reasonable soul, as well 
as an organized body like other men, and 
denominated himself by the title, " Son of 
man," he was perfectly holy, and free from all 
sin. 

Jesus was indeed a man; for, if he had not 
possessed our nature, he could not have been 
subject to the law that was given to our race, 
nor have been our substitute. 

But he was infinitely more than a mere 
man. He was "God over all blessed for 
ever." Of this great truth, — the Godhead of 
my Redeemer, — I find in scripture the most 
abundant proof. In this character he w r as 
revealed to God's ancient church. He w r as 
the angel who went before the chosen tribes, 
and led them through the wilderness; of 
whom Jehovah said, " Beware of him, and 
obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will 
not pardon your transgressions; for my name 
is in him." Ex. xxiii. 20, 21. Speaking of 



THE PERSON OF OUR REDEEMER. 



57 



him, David, uttering the address of Jehovah 
to him, says, "I will declare the decree: the 
Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son: 
This day have I begotten thee" Ps. ii 7. 
Thus, before Jesus was born, he was styled 
the Son of God. The Jews understood the 
import of this lofty title; for when our 
Saviour assumed it, by calling God his 
Father, in a peculiar sense, they sought to 
kill him; because, by asserting his filial rela- 
tion to God, he made himself equal to God. 
John v. 17-23. What lofty titles does Isaiah 
apply to the Redeemer! "For unto us a 
child is born, unto us a son is given: and the 
government shall be upon his shoulder: and 
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsel- 
lor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, 
The Prince of Peace." Isa. ix. 6. 
, In many passages that incommunicable 
name Jehovah, which cannot be applied to 
any creature, however exalted, is by this 
prophet and others given to the Redeemer. 
See Isa. xlv. 20-25; xlviii. 17; li. 9-11; liv. 
5. Hos.i.7. Zech. ii. 10, 11. 

Such is a specimen of the testimonies of 
the Old Testament to the Divinity of the 
Messiah. But when I read the pages of the 



58 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

New Testament, how full, and plain, and ex- 
plicit, the testimonies of the inspired writers 
to this great truth ! John begins his gospel 
thus: "In the beginning was the Word, and 
the Word was with God, and the Word was 
God. The same was in the beginning with 
God. All things were made by him; and 
without him was not any thing made that 
was made. In him was life; and the life was 
the light of men." John i. 1-4. "And the 
Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, 
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the 
only begotten of the Father,) full of grace 
and truth." Verse 14. Paul, in his epistle 
to the Colossians, speaks of the Redeemer in 
this lofty manner: "Who is the image of the 
invisible God, the first-born of every creature. 
For by him were all things created that are 
in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and 
invisible, whether they be thrones or do- 
minions, or principalities, or powers: all 
things were created by him, and for him: and 
he is before all things, and by him all things 
consist." Col. i. 15-17. Again, in his epistle 
to the Philippians: "Who, being in the form 
of God, thought it not robbery to be equal 
with God." "That at the name of Jesus 



THE PERSON OP OUR REDEEMER. 59 

every knee should bow, of things in heaven 
and things in earth, and things under the 
earth; and that every tongue should confess 
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God 
the Father." Phil. ii. 6, 10, 11. In similar 
terms he speaks, in his epistle to the Hebrews: 
"God, who at sundry times and in divers 
manners, spake in time past, unto the fathers 
by the prophets, hath in these last days 
spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath 
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he 
made the worlds ; who being the brightness 
of his glory and the express image of his 
person, and upholding all things by the word 
of his power, when he had by himself purged 
our sins, sat down on the right hand of the 
Majesty on high." Heb. i. 1-3. And in the 
book of Revelation the whole creation are 
represented as worshipping Jesus Christ, the 
Lamb. Rev. v. 11-14. 

How full, how strong, how abundant the 
testimonies, both of the Old and of the New 
Testament, to the Godhead of our Redeemer ! 
Not a doubt should remain on the mind, that 
he is " God over all, blessed for ever." 

But it is not to be forgotten, that he is God 
and man in one person. His human nature 



60 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

had no personality of its own; because it 
never existed by itself, apart from the divine 
nature. From the first moment of its exist- 
ence it was taken into union with the divine 
nature; and, of course, was absorbed by a 
divine person, and became a complex portion 
of a divine person. The prophet Isaiah says, 
(chap. vii. 14,) " Behold, a virgin shall con- 
ceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be 
called Immanuel;" that is, God with us. The 
apostle Paul exclaims, "And without contro- 
versy, great is the mystery of godliness: 
God was manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. iii. 
16. This hypostatic union of the two na- 
tures, justifies the language used by our 
Lord to Nicodemus: — "And no man hath 
ascended up to heaven, but he that came 
down from heaven, even the Son of man 
which is in heaven, (John iii. 13;) and 
that of Paul:—" The church of God which 
he purchased with his own blood." Acts 
xx. 28. 

How perfectly was the character of our 
Saviour adapted to the office of Mediator, 
which he assumed, and the work of redemp- 
tion which he undertook ! As man he could 
be subject to law, obey and suffer; and as 



THE PERSON OF OUR REDEEMER. 61 

God he could sustain his human nature 
under any amount of sufferings; while the 
infinite dignity of his person imparted an in- 
finite value to his sufferings and obedience, 
and rendered them a full equivalent for the 
sufferings due to all who shall be saved, and 
furnished a perfect righteousness sufficient to 
justify all who believe, and entitle them to 
everlasting life. 

With what unlimited confidence may I 
commit my eternal interests into his hands ! 
And what abundant reason have I to adopt 
the apostle's language: — "I know in whom I 
have believed, and am persuaded that he is 
able to keep that which I have committed 
unto him against that day." 2 Tim. i. 12, 
In coming to him, I am chargeable with 
neither impiety nor folly; for I come home, 
by committing myself to my God ; and in de- 
voting myself to him, I only perform what 
duty and gratitude prompt and constrain me 
to do: "for to this end Christ both died, and 
revived, and rose again, that he might be 
Lord both of the dead and living." Rom. 
xiv. 9. " For the Father judgeth no man, but 
hath committed all judgment unto the Son; 
that all men might honour the Son, even as 
6 



62 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

they honour the Father. He that honoureth 
not the Son, honoureth not the Father which 
hath sent him." John v. 22, 23. 



PRAYER. 

Great and merciful God, I adore thee for 
providing for our fallen race a glorious Me- 
diator, who could interpose between us and 
our offended Sovereign, and avert from us 
his terrible wrath. I extol thy infinite wis- 
dom, displayed in the wonderful constitution 
of his person. I bless thee for the abundant 
proof of the reality of his human nature; that 
he possessed both an organized body and a 
reasonable soul; so that he could be made 
subject to the law of our race, and both obey 
its precepts, and endure its penalty. I rejoice 
to know, that, being perfectly holy, and free 
from sin, he did obey the law, in the most 
faultless manner ; and that he did endure its 
penalty in its utmost extent; so as to make 
an ample atonement for sin, and to work out 
a complete righteousness, for the full justifi- 
cation of every true believer. 

I bless thee, O God, for the ample testi- 
mony of thy word to assure us, that our Re- 



PRAYER. 



63 



deemer was infinitely more than man, — being 
the second person in the adorable Trinity, 
God over all, blessed for ever; Immanuel, 
God with us, God manifest in the flesh, God 
and man in one divine person: and thus able 
to sustain his human nature under the im- 
mense load of sufferings he endured, and to 
impart an infinite value to his sufferings and 
obedience; and thus render them amply suf- 
ficient to atone for the sins, and to justify the 
persons, of all who shall believe in him to the 
end of time. 

Blessed be God, I feel confident that he is 
able and willing to save unto the uttermost 
all that will come unto God by him. I there- 
fore come to him, and commit my immortal 
soul into his hands, and intrust to him the 
management of my eternal interests ; assured 
that he can keep what I have committed to 
him till the great and final day. Blessed be 
God for such a glorious and all-sufficient 
Saviour, and for such assured confidence in 
his power and grace. Amen. 



64 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

MEDITATION VII. 

THE INFINITE CONDESCENSION OF THE REDEEMER. 

In the counsels of eternity the plan of salva- 
tion was laid. Then was it seen that no one 
in the universe could redeem our fallen race 
but the Son of God. Will he condescend to 
become mediator between God and his sin- 
ful creatures 1 He did thus condescend. He 
most willingly engaged to assume the office; 
and that we might know his feelings in regard 
to it, he, ages ago, uttered this cheering lan- 
guage : " Sacrifice and offering thou didst 
not require ; mine ears hast thou opened : 
burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not 
required. Then said I, Lo, I come : in the 
volume of the book it is written of me ; I 
delight to do thy will, O my God." Ps. xl. 
6—8. Heb. x. 5—7. 

How condescending was our Redeemer in 
giving to our race such early intimation of his 
coming to redeem the world, by bruising the 
serpent's head, or destroying the works of the 
devil, and in suffering himself to be exhibited 
to the Church as her Saviour, by such a 



CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 65 

variety of types and ceremonies, and so long 
a train of prophecies and promises, to sustain 
her faith! 

How condescending was it in the Son of 
God to assume the fashion of a man, when 
he appeared to Abraham, and permitted that 
patriarch to plead with him for the preserva- 
tion of Sodom, that guilty and polluted city ! 
Gen. xviii. As the angel in whom was Je- 
hovah's name, he condescended to conduct 
the tribes of Israel through the wilderness to 
the land of promise ; he too watched over the 
interests of his Church, while dwelling in that 
chosen land ; and then in the appointed time, 
he appeared on this earth in human form, to 
accomplish his glorious and gracious work 
of saving our race ! 

i\.nd while engaged in his work, in what 
various forms was his condescension dis- 
played ! 

When Nicodemus, ashamed or afraid to 
let it be known that he entertained any fa- 
vourable sentiments towards our Redeemer, 
came by night to converse with him, he did 
not sternly rebuke him for his timidity or 
cowardice, but graciously condescended to 
enter into conversation with him, to answer 
6* 



66 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

his questions, and to impart the most impor- 
tant instructions. 

How did his condescension shine in his 
conversation with the woman of Samaria! 
Wearied with his journey he sat down on 
Jacob's well, w T hile his disciples had gone to 
buy meat in a neighbouring city. A woman 
of Samaria came to the well to draw water ; 
and, to lead her into conversation designed 
for her spiritual benefit, he asked her to give 
him drink. As the Jews had no dealings 
with the Samaritans, she expressed her sur- 
prise that he being a Jew, should make such 
a request. In the prejudices of the Jews, our 
blessed Lord did not participate. He imme- 
diately, by his heavenly conversation, turned 
her attention to that living water that imparts 
life to the soul, and pursued his conversation 
with her, so that she and many of the Sama- 
ritans were led to believe him to be the 
promised Messiah. John iv. 

With what condescension did our Lord 
treat Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary! 
Being of an anxious and fretful disposition, 
while cumbered with much serving, and de- 
sirous of preparing a suitable supper for her 
guests, she came in a pettish manner to Jesus, 



CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 67 

and complaining of the conduct of her wise 
and prudent sister, she, without becoming 
reverence, gave utterance to her improper 
feelings : " Lord, dost thou not care that my 
sister hath left me to serve alone ? bid her 
therefore that she help me." To this imper- 
tinent application, our Lord meekly replied : 
" Martha, Martha, thou art careful and trou- 
bled about many things ; but one thing is 
needful: and Mary hath chosen that good 
part, which shall not be taken from her." 
Luke x. 40—42. 

Such was our Redeemer's attachment to 
this family, that although the Jews had sought 
to stone him, yet, to raise Lazarus from the 
dead, he, to the surprise of his disciples, 
went to that part of the land ; and, with what 
affectionate condescension toward them, did 
he act ! Seeing Mary weeping, and the Jews 
also weeping who came with her, " he groan- 
ed in spirit, and was troubled." " Jesus 
wept." Well might the Jews exclaim, " Be- 
hold, how he loved him !" Approaching the 
grave, he said to Martha, whose faith waver- 
ed, " Said I not unto thee, that, if thou 
wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory 
of God?' Then, lifting up his eyes to heaven, 



68 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

he said for the benefit of all present, " Father, 
I thank thee that thou hast heard me;" and, 
with a loud voice, he commanded Lazarus 
to come forth. Lazarus obeyed, came forth, 
and lived. John xi. 

How frequently the Redeemer manifested 
his condescnsion toward his disciples in bear- 
ing with their infirmities, dulness, and want 
of faith ! What a surprising exhibition of 
unequalled condescension we see, when, to 
set them an example of humility and brother- 
ly love, he, knowing that the Father had 
given all things into his hands, and that he 
was come from God, and went to God, arose 
from supper, and laid aside his garments, and 
took a towel and girded himself; and having 
poured water into a basin, began to wash the 
the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the 
towel wherewith he was girded! Behold, 
the Lord of glory, while conscious of his 
exalted standing in the universe, stoops to 
perform such menial acts for the instruction 
of his disciples! 

Peter, when the Redeemer had said to his 
disciples, "all ye shall be offended because 
of me this night," made solemn protestations 
of his unwavering attachment ; and yet slept, 



CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 69 

with James and John, while their Master 
was agonizing in the garden ! How was he 
treated ? Jesus, when he found them sleep- 
ing, said unto Peter, " Simon, sleepest thou 1 
couldst thou not watch one hour ? Watch 
ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation;" 
and then kindly adds this apology, " The 
spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." 
Mark xiv. 37-42. Peter shamefully denied 
his Lord; and when he had repeated his 
great offence three times, " the Lord turned, 
and looked upon Peter." How piercing this 
look of his suffering Master! Peter's heart 
felt it. "He went out and wept bitterly." 
Luke xxii. 61, 62. All his disciples had 
failed in duty more or less, yet their merciful 
Saviour, after he had arisen from the dead, 
received them into favour again, and renewed 
their commission to the apostleship. What 
kindness and condescension are seen in all 
these occurrences ! How worthy of all ad- 
miration ! 

Such was the condescension of the Re- 
deemer, both before, and after, his incarna- 
tion. And now, while ascended to his Me- 
diatorial throne, and reigning in inconceivable 
glory as Lord of heaven and earth, is he not 



70 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

as condescending as ever? Does he not 
love, watch over, and defend his Church] 
Does he not bear her on his heart, interced- 
ing for her before the throne of the Most 
High? 

And hast not thou, my soul, shared in his 
great condescension and loving-kindness ? 
Whose eye watched over thee, whilst thou 
wast wandering far from righteousness, for- 
getful and unconcerned about thy eternal 
interests ? Who laid the restraints of provi- 
dence and grace upon thee ; so as to keep 
thee from the great sins to which thou wast 
tempted? Was it not thy condescending 
Saviour, who loved thee, while wandering 
away from him, heedless of his kind invita- 
tions to return and receive his salvation? 
Who, in the appointed time, sent his Spirit to 
awaken, to arouse, to convict, and convert 
thee? Who washed away thy sins, and 
brought thee into a state of reconciliation and 
favour with God ? Who has kept and guarded 
thee, healed thy backslidings and quickened 
thee in the service of God, and brightened 
thy hopes ? Hast thou not received all these 
signal favours from the loving-kindness of thy 
condescending Saviour? Imitate the con- 



PRAYER. 71 

descension of thy exalted Master. Banish 
from thy heart pride and ambition. Con- 
descend to men of low estate. 



PRAYER. 

I bless thee, O my Redeemer, for thine in- 
finite condescension in assuming the office of 
Mediator between God and man. I praise 
thee for the early intimation of thy merciful 
purpose, given in the first promise, concern- 
ing the Seed of the woman who was to bruise 
the serpent's head, and for the subsequent 
clearer discoveries afforded by various pre- 
dictions and promises concerning the Messiah 
and his work. I bless thee for the proofs of 
thy willingness to execute the office of Medi- 
ator, manifested by appearing to the patri- 
archs in human form, and thus anticipating 
the assumption of our nature in the appointed 
time. I praise thee for condescending to 
lead, as the Angel of the covenant, the chosen 
tribes through the wilderness to the land of 
promise; and for condescending to superin- 
tend and manage the affairs of thy church, 
till thy advent in the world. I bless thee for 
the condescension displayed in thy public 



72 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ministry, and in thy treatment of thy dis- 
ciples, and of all who applied to thee for in- 
structions; and for the condescension sc 
signally shown to thy disciples, after thy 
resurrection from the dead, by repeated ap- 
pearances to them, in order to afford to 
them infallible proofs that thou wast alive 
again, and about to ascend in glory to 
heaven. 

Infinite condescension ! May I be enabled 
to imbibe thy spirit, and always in my inter- 
course with my fellow disciples, and with my 
fellow men, show this lovely trait of charac- 
ter. May I ever be as my Saviour was, 
"meek and lowly in heart;" that thus I may 
prove myself a true disciple of my blessed 
Redeemer. Amen. 



MEDITATION VIII. 

THE PROFOUND HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. 

Our blessed Lord has not only displayed 
infinite condescension, but submitted to the 
most profound humiliation. 



HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. 73 

Of his humiliation we find a summary and 
comprehensive view given by the apostle 
Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians: chap, 
ii. "Who, being in the form of God, thought 
it not robbery to be equal with God: but 
made himself of no reputation, and took upon 
him the form of a servant, and was made in 
the likeness of men: and being found in 
fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and 
became obedient unto death, even the death 
of the cross." Here is exhibited the humilia- 
tion of our blessed Lord from its commence- 
ment to its termination. It demands an 
attentive consideration in all its parts. Let 
me devoutly look at them. 

1. He, being in the form of God, was 
equal with God. As such he was seen by 
angels ; seated on the throne of heaven in all 
his infinite majesty, demanding and receiving 
the worship of every order of celestial beings. 
Before him angels and archangels cast their 
crowns, and prostrated themselves at his feet, 
in acknowledgment of his supreme excel- 
lence, and of their entire dependence on him 
for existence and every endowment. " But 
he made himself of no reputation;" (in the 
original, he emptied himself;) laid aside his 
7 



74 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

glory; did not make such manifestations of 
his august majesty as he did to angels, and 
had done to the patriarchs ; when he appeared 
to them, as to Abraham, and to Moses, and 
to the children of Israel at Mount Sinai, when 
he published the law in such terrific displays 
of grandeur and majesty. 

2. This emptying himself was done by 
taking upon himself the form of a servant. 
To this act of humiliation the Son of God 
consented, by agreeing to become a Media- 
tor; for it involved the assumption of the 
nature of that order of creatures for whom he 
became mediator; and rendered him, who 
was above all law and authority, and subject 
to no being whatever, servant to his eternal 
Father, and subjected him in his assumed 
nature, to the law that had been given to 
that nature. Had the Son of God assumed 
into personal union with himself the highest 
created nature in the universe, it would have 
been unspeakable condescension, and would 
have placed him in the condition of a servant 
to his eternal Father. 

3. He made a lower stoop than this. " He 
was made in the likeness of men." He did 
not assume the nature of angels ; he did not 



HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. 75 

appear in the likeness of Michael or Gabriel: 
but he assumed the nature of man, who, 
although made in the image and likeness of 
his Creator, yet was inferior to angels. And 
he assumed this nature not as it was in a 
state of innocence, free from all the conse- 
quences of sin, and all the seeds of disease 
and death ; but as it had become by trans- 
gression, subject to many ills, and finally to 
death. "He was made like unto us in all 
things, sin only excepted." In this inferior 
nature, degraded as it was by sin, our blessed 
Redeemer appeared as a servant to his 
Father. 

4. There is another step in his humiliation; 
for the apostle says, that, "being found in 
fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and 
became obedient." He was pleased to place 
himself under obligation to obey the law, not 
only as it governed man in a state of inno- 
cence, but as it was presented to him in his 
fallen state. In token of this obligation, he 
was, on the eighth day, circumcised; and 
became subject to the whole Mosaic law, 
moral, ceremonial, and civil. He observed 
the Jewish feasts, the temple service, and 
paid tribute money. His obedience was per- 



76 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

feet; free from every defect in regard to prin- 
ciple, action, and continuance; and rendered, 
in circumstances of peculiar difficulty, in 
opposition to prevailing customs, and the pre- 
scriptions of the scribes and rulers ; and the 
most violent assaults of temptations, urged by 
Satan, in every form, and with the greatest 
violence. 

5. The Saviour rendered himself subject 
to the law, not only in its preceptive, but in 
its penal demands. " He became obedient 
unto death." He was the substitute of man, 
and engaged to satisfy all the demands of the 
divine law on fallen man. In his innocent 
state, the law required from man nothing but 
obedience to its holy precepts. Had he ren- 
dered this, by retaining the purity of his heart 
and life, the law would have demanded 
nothing more. He would have been right- 
eous, and entitled to the promised reward. 
He failed in his obedience; he sinned; and 
the law obtained a new demand; it required 
a full satisfaction for the dishonour done to it 
by disobedience. 

To this demand the Saviour submitted, 
and engaged, as man's Redeemer, to pay all 
his debts, by subjecting himself to all the 



HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. 77 

sufferings which a full satisfaction for sin re- 
quired. 

This part of the Saviour's humiliation, 
comprehends all the sufferings which he 
endured, from the beginning to the close of 
his life; and will come under review in a 
subsequent meditation. Let me at present 
look at that part named by the apostle in the 
terms " death, even the death of the cross." 
" As it is appointed unto men once to die," 
he stooped so low as to endure this evil. 
His soul was separated from his body ; his 
blessed body became lifeless, and was laid in 
the grave. 

His death was produced, not by disease, 
nor by the mere hand of violence ; but by a 
judicial act, which condemned him to a death 
of the most shameful kind ; a death inflicted 
on slaves, thieves, and murderers. It was 
the death of the cross. And his death on the 
cross, was attended with every circumstance 
of pain and shame, and violence, that could 
be combined together by the malice and in- 
genuity of his malignant enemies. 

So profound was the humiliation of the Son 
of God ! The Sovereign of the universe be- 
came a servant ; the great Creator, a de- 
7 # 



78 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

pendent creature ; the supreme Lawgiver, a 
subject to his own law ! He, whose palace 
is the highest heaven, had no dwelling place 
of his own; he, who issues his orders to the* 
armies of heaven, and is worshipped by 
angels and archangels, was attended by a few 
fishermen and publicans ; he, who is infinite- 
ly rich, became poor and dependent on chari- 
ty for subsistence ! He, of whom it is writ- 
ten, " none can stay his hand, or say unto 
him, What doest thou?' was opposed by 
Jewish rulers and priests ! He, who spake, 
and soldiers who came to arrest him, fell to 
the ground, and would have died had he 
willed it, suffered himself to be bound by 
them, and led to the High-priest. The Judge 
of all, was judged by the Jewish council ; 
mocked by Herod; scourged, condemned, 
and crucified by the Roman governor ! The 
Author of life in every form, died by the 
hands of wicked men! The weil-beloved 
Son of God agonized under the hidings of his 
Father's face, and the infliction of the curse 
of his holy and violated law ! 

To all this humiliation our blessed Lord 
submitted for the salvation of his people. 
How amazing! How frequently should I 



PRAYER. 79 

contemplate it by faith, and endeavour to 
imbibe the spirit that prompted him to set 
such an example to his people ! True, it was 
designed for a more important purpose, to 
make a real expiation for sin ; still I may see 
in it a bright and glorious example, worthy 
of my devout and affectionate imitation. Im- 
mediately before, and in connexion with this 
exhibition of the Saviour's humiliation, the 
apostle says, " Let this mind be in you, which 
was also in Christ Jesus ;" and then proceeds 
to describe this mind of Christ, by showing 
how it appeared in his profound humiliation. 
Dwell then, my soul, on this amazing scene 
of humiliation and sufferings of thy Lord and 
Redeemer, to imbibe his spirit of humility and 
love. Be willing to humble thyself, and suffer 
too, when necessary for the glory of God, 
and the good of thy fellow Christians and 
fellow men. Pray for the grace of the Holy 
Spirit, to mould thee into the blessed likeness 
of thy Saviour God. 

PRAYER. 

How profound thy humiliation, O my Re- 
deemer God ! Hadst thou been pleased to 
assume the nature of an archangel, it would 



80 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

have claimed the admiration and praise of all 
holy beings. But, by assuming the nature of 
'fallen man, and appearing in the form of a 
servant, for our salvation, thou didst submit 
to humiliation still more profound ! I bless 
thee that thou wast willing to lay aside the 
robes of Godhead, to take human nature from 
a humble virgin, to be born in a stable, and 
laid in a manger. I praise thee for every 
step in thy humiliation ; that thou didst wil- 
lingly subject thyself to the law of man — to 
live in poverty — to incur the opposition of the 
Jewish priests and rulers — to endure reproach 
and reviling — to stand in judgment at the 
bar of thy creatures — to submit to condemna- 
tion, as if guilty of blasphemy and sedition — 
and to bear all the agonies and tortures con- 
nected with the shameful death of crucifixion, 
as well as the more overwhelming suffer- 
ings inflicted on thy soul by divine justice in 
expiation of the sins of thy people ! 

May I ever remember, with gratitude and 
praise, this astonishing humiliation ; and, im- 
bibing thy spirit, manifest, on all suitable oc- 
casions, the same mind that prompted thee, O 
Saviour, to submit to humiliation so profound 
and wonderful ! Amen. 



THE HOLY LIFE OF CHRIST. 81 

MEDITATION IX. 

THE HOLY LIFE OF CHRIST. 

The spotless purity of the Saviour was essen- 
tial to his office and work as Mediator. Had 
his human nature been defiled by sin, he 
could not have yielded that perfect obedience 
which the law demanded ; nor would it have 
received the high honour of being hypostati- 
cally united to his divine nature. That his 
human nature was perfectly pure from every 
moral stain, the sacred Scriptures bear ample 
testimony. " Therefore, also," said the angel 
Gabriel to Mary, " that holy thing which 
shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son 
of God." Luke i. 35. At his baptism a 
voice came from heaven, which said, " Thou 
art my beloved Son; in thee I am well 
pleased." Luke iii. 22. And again, at his 
transfiguration, the Father testified his appro- 
bation of him : " This is my beloved Son : 
hear him." Luke ix. 35. Appealing to his 
enemies, Jesus said, "Which of you con- 
vinced me of sin?' John viii. 46. And 
the apostle, " For such an High-priest be- 



82 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

came us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, 
and separated from sinners, and made higher 
than the heavens ; who needed not, as those 
high-priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his 
own sins." 

Jesus was indeed a descendant of Adam; 
for he was born of the virgin Mary, but not 
in the ordinary way. He was conceived in 
the virgin's womb, by the power of the Holy 
Ghost, and came by a special promise, given 
after the apostasy of man ; and not being 
represented by Adam in the covenant of 
works, he was not at all affected by the vio- 
lation of that covenant, and could not be in- 
volved in its consequences. 

What matter of gratitude and praise, to be 
thus divinely assured that Christ was per- 
fectly qualified for the work he undertook ! 
Rejoice, my soul, in this assurance, and let it 
inspire thee with unshaken confidence in 
him. 

Being perfectly pure in his nature at his 
birth, our blessed Redeemer remained so 
through the whole of his course on earth. In 
heart and life he was perfectly conformed to 
the divine law. Holiness was in him per- 
sonified. It beamed from his eyes, breathed 



THE HOLY LIFE OF CHRIST. 83 

from his lips, and moved in all his actions. 
The grand comprehensive principles of the 
law were deeply seated in his holy soul. 
He loved God with all his powers, and 
his neighbour as himself; and his whole 
life was one continued, unbroken stream of 
love. 

His love to his Father was displayed by 
his steady, uniform, unwavering and perfect 
obedience to his commandments. "I came 
down from heaven, not to do mine own will, 
but the will of him that sent me." John vi. 
38. " But that the world may know that I 
love the Father; and as the Father gave me 
commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us 
go hence." John xiv. 31. "I have glori- 
fied thee on the earth; I have finished the 
work which thou gavest me to do." John 
xvii. 4. 

His obedience to his Father's will was 
ever characterized by those qualities that 
render obedience truly acceptable. 

Delight was one characteristic. In view 
of all the difficulties and sufferings to be en- 
countered and endured, he could truly say, 
"Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is 



84 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

written of me ; I delight to do thy will, O my 
God." Ps. xl. 7, 8. 

The obedience of Christ was marked by a 
devotional spirit He felt his dependence on 
God; and, therefore, conversed much with 
him by prayer. Before choosing his apos- 
tles, "he went into a mountain to pray, 
and continued all night in prayer to God." 
Luke vi. 12, 13. And, on another occasion, 
" rising up a great while before day, he went 
out, and departed into a solitary place, and 
there prayed." Mark i. 35. How earnest 
were his prayers in the garden of Gethse- 
mane! "Who in the days of his flesh," says 
the apostle, " when he had offered up prayers 
and supplications, with strong cries and tears, 
unto Him that was able to save him from 
death, and was heard in that he feared." 
Heb. v. 7. His heart was continually ascend- 
ing to God in holy aspirations, and held high 
communion with him. 

How fervent was the Redeemer's zeal for 
his Father's honour! When but twelve 
years old, he manifested his zeal by remain- 
ing at Jerusalem after the departure of his 
parents, " sitting in the midst of the doctors, 



THE HOLY LIFE OF CHRIST. 85 

both hearing them and asking them ques- 
tions." And to his mother's language, " Son, 
why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, 
thy father and I have sought thee sorrow- 
ing :" he replied, " How is it that ye sought 
me? wist ye not that I must be about my 
Father's business?" His zeal was displayed 
in refuting the corrupt glosses put on the law 
of God by the Scribes and Pharisees; in con- 
demning the unsound traditions of the elders; 
and in the heavy denunciations of divine 
judgments against the false teachers in the 
Jewish church. And how conspicuous was 
it, when he purified the temple, by expelling 
from it all that sold and bought in it ! Matt. 
xxi. 12, 13. "The zeal of thine house hath 
eaten me up." 

His submission to the divine will was pre- 
eminent. How cheerfully did he lead a life 
of obscurity and poverty! Thrice in the 
garden, where he agonized, he said, "O my 
Father, if this cup may not pass away from 
me, except I drink it, thy will be done." 
Matt. xxvi. 39-44. 

Trust in God never forsook him. Even 
in that tremendous hour of overwhelming 
suffering, when preternatual darkness cover- 
8 



86 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ed the earth, when all the powers of hell as- 
sailed him on the cross, and his Father left 
him to feel all the horrors of the curse of a 
broken law, he could still say " My God, my 
God, why hast thou forsaken me ?" Matt, 
xxvii. 46 ; and he closed the awful scene, by 
crying with a loud voice, " Father, into thy 
hands I commend my spirit." Luke xxiii. 46. 
As the love of Christ to God, so his benevo- 
lence to man was displayed through his whole 
life. With what diligence did he prosecute 
his work of teaching. Pressed by the multi- 
tudes attending his ministry, he at times 
could hardly find leisure to eat. When the 
people w T ere ii% danger of fainting for want of 
food, he fed them in a miraculous manner. 
He bore with the dullness, infirmities, and un- 
belief of his apostles. " He went about doing 
good." He healed all manner of diseases ; 
rejected none that sought his aid ; and wel- 
comed all that applied to him for salvation. 
He wept at the grave of Lazarus. He pitied 
his enemies. In view of the miseries that 
were coming upon the wicked city that had 
rejected him, how melting the strains of pity 
he uttered ! " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou 
that killest the prophets, and stonest them 



THE HOLY LIFE OF CHRIST. 



87 



which are sent unto thee, how often would I 
have gathered thy children together, even as 
a hen gathereth her chickens under her 
wings, and ye would not !" For his enemies 
who crucified him, he prayed, "Father, for- 
give them ; for they know not what they do." 
Luke xxiii. 34. And to the penitent thief on 
the cross, who had reviled him, he gave the 
assurance, "Verily I say unto thee, to-day 
shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke 
xxiii. 43. 

May the benevolence of Christ fill my soul, 
and prompt me to every good deed and act 
of kindness ! 

So signal, finished, and sinless was the 
Saviour's obedience to the divine law ! The 
development of his love to God and man so 
complete and attractive! And in rendering 
his obedience he rose above every difficulty, 
triumphed over all opposition, and contemned 
every adverse allurement. The devil as- 
sailed him at the commencement of his public 
life, with all his cunning and power; but in 
vain. In vain he spread before him all the 
kingdoms of the world, and their glory, 
promising to give them all to him, if he 



88 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

would worship him. "Get thee behind me, 
Satan," replied the indignant Redeemer: "for 
it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord 
thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." 
Luke iv. 5-8. The world had no power 
over him. He was alike superior to its 
smiles and frowns, to its rewards and terrors. 
When he saw that the people were disposed 
to take him by force, and make him a king, 
he retired from them and concealed himself. 
The world could crucify, but it could not 
subdue him. There was a joy set before 
him, a joy springing from the glory of God, 
in the redemption of a fallen world, and his 
own future exaltation, that enabled him to 
endure the cross and despise its shame. Heb. 
xii. 2. 

What a perfect example I behold in the 
holy and sinless life of my Redeemer ! The 
lives of patriarchs and pious kings, of holy 
prophets and apostles, are set before me, that 
I may copy their examples. They are worthy 
of my assiduous imitation. Let it, however, 
be remembered that not one was faultless. 
But, in the life of my blessed Redeemer, I see 
an example perfect and faultless. To this, 



PRAYER. 89 

then, my soul, look; and by a reference to it, 
avoid whatever was wrong in the lives of 
ancient saints and apostles. *> 

PRAYER. 

Most holy and merciful Saviour, when I 
contemplate the spotless purity of thy nature, 
and thy perfect and illustrious example, how 
much reason I find for deep abasement before 
God, and penitence, on account of the de- 
pravity of my nature, and the sins of my life ! 
Oh! may thy example be ever before my 
eyes ! Afford me grace, that I may copy 
after it. May I imbibe thy spirit and tread 
in thy steps, and become daily more and 
more conformed to thy image! O! when 
shall love to God and man, like thine, possess 
my whole soul, and control all its feelings, 
desires, and emotions! and my obedience, 
flowing from a spring so pure, become what 
it ought to be, — blameless ! While passing 
through this vain and sinful world, may it be 
my constant prayer and endeavour, to w r alk 
in that bright path of purity, love, benevo- 
lence, and obedience, w 7 hich thou didst tread, 
till, at the end of life, being freed from all sin 
8# 



90 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

and every stain, I shall become entirely like 
to thee, my Saviour; and see thee as thou 
art, in all thy purity and infinite glory. 
Grant this, I beseech thee, for thy name's 
sake. Amen. 



MEDITATION X. 

THE SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF CHRIST 

In preparing for the holy supper, I must 
especially remember the sufferings and the 
death of my blessed Lord. It is his broken 
body and his shed blood he puts into my 
hands at the sacred feast, and bids me eat the 
one and drink the other. And can I take the 
symbols, and thus eat and drink, without re- 
membering what they significantly shadow 
forth, — his amazing sufferings, and bitter and 
shameful death? No; I must dwell upon 
this astonishing scene, the sufferings of an in- 
carnate God. 

And what were the sufferings of my Re- 
deemer! Ah! what tongue can tell, what 
mind conceive, what he endured in expi- 



SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF CHRIST. 91 

ating our sins, and working out our re- 
demption? Divine justice alone can mea- 
sure them. But let me endeavour to form 
some conception of their greatness and 
variety. 

They began with his life, and continued 
till its close. Heaven, earth, and hell com- 
bined to afflict him. It pleased his Father to 
bruise and put him to grief, and to make his 
soul an offering for sin. Devils assailed him 
with their infernal temptations, especially in 
the wilderness, and on the cross, to shake his 
firmness, and to defeat his glorious purpose. 
Jews and Gentiles united to insult, degrade, 
and torment him. 

He suffered from poverty. He was so 
poor that he was dependent for subsistence 
on the charity of others; and to mark the 
depth of his poverty, he once said, " the foxes 
have holes, and the birds of the air have 
nests ; but the Son of man hath not where to 
lay his head." 

He suffered from intercourse with sinful 
men. Loving God supremely, devoted to his 
glory, and perfectly free from sin, how pain- 
ful to his holy soul must it have been, to see 
the abounding wickedness of men around 



92 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

him; all going astray, all neglecting God, 
breaking his commandments, and dishonour- 
ing, instead of glorifying, his great name! 
If the soul of righteous Lot was daily vexed 
with the unlawful deeds of the inhabitants of 
Sodom, how painful must have been the feel- 
ings of the Redeemer, in witnessing the wick- 
edness of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and of 
Judea ! 

He suffered from being rejected by the 
Jews. " He came unto his own ; and his 
own received him not." By his holy life, by 
his heavenly doctrines, and by his astonishing 
miracles, he proved himself to be the long 
promised Messiah ; but his claims were denied 
by the chief priests, by the Scribes, Pharisees 
and rulers. They stigmatized him as an im- 
postor, instead of hailing him as their Lord 
and Redeemer. 

He suffered in his reputation. Because he 
conformed in his living to prevailing custom, 
he was called a wine bibber and a glutton. 
Mixing with all classes of men for their in- 
struction, benefit, reformation, and salvation, 
he was reproached as the friend of publicans 
and sinners. 

He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, and 






SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF CHRIST. 93 

betrayed into the hands of the chief priests, by 
a kiss from Judas, the traitorous disciple. 

And now, my soul, behold thy Lord and 
Saviour, rudely seized and bound by ruffian 
soldiers, and led by them to the palace of the 
High-priest. There, with what cruel indig- 
nity is he treated! He is mocked, smitten 
on the face, and spit upon. He is blind-fold- 
ed and then asked to tell who smote him. 
False witnesses testify against him. Adjured 
by the High-priest, he affirms himself to be 
the Son of God ; and immediately the council 
condemn him as deserving death. 

Deprived of the power of executing the 
sentence of death, they hurry him to Pilate 
the Roman governor; and before his tribunal, 
accusing him as a blasphemer, and as a sedi- 
tious person, demand his death. Pilate sends 
him to Herod the king. He and his soldiers 
mock and insult him, and then send him back 
again to Pilate. Convinced of his innocence, 
the Roman governor seeks to deliver him. 
Persuaded by the priests, a fickle people, who 
had a little before admired Jesus, prefer to 
him for release Barabbas, a robber and mur- 
derer. Pilate overcome by the importunity 
of the chief priests and the clamorous de- 



94 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

mands of the multitude, cowardly yields to 
their wishes. 

What a scene now ensues ! The blessed 
Jesus is scourged, and then led by the sol- 
diers into the common hall, and the whole 
band collected around him to participate in 
tormenting him. They strip off his own rai- 
ment, and put on him a scarlet robe. Having 
put on his head a plaited crown of thorns, 
and a reed in his right hand, they bow the 
knee before him, and mock him, saying, Hail, 
king of the Jews ! They spit upon him ; and 
taking the reed out of his hand, they smite 
him on the head. Tired with their mockery 
and insults, they take off the scarlet robe, and 
put on him his own raiment, and lead him 
away to crucify him. 

Behold him, my soul, walking, with pain- 
ful steps, to mount Calvary, to be crucified. 
See him nailed to the cross, and then lifted 
up on it, that it may be thrust violently into 
the hole prepared for it; by which shock 
every joint of his sacred body is dislocated. 
Behold the innocent Lamb of God between 
two crucified malefactors, as if the most 
deserving of death. They that pass by, 
revile him, wagging their heads, and saying, 



SUFFERINGS AND DEATH! OF CHRIST. 95 

" Thou that destroyest the temple, and build- 
est it in three days, save thyself. If thou be 
the Son of God, come down from the cross." 
Hear the malignant mocking of the chief 
priests, the scribes and elders : " He saved 
others, himself, he cannot save. If he be the 
King of Israel, let him now come down from 
the cross, and we will believe him. He 
trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if 
he will have him : for he said, I am the Son 
of God." 

These outward insults, these torments in- 
flicted on his body, I am to consider and re- 
member ; but especially am I to contemplate 
what was far more overwhelming, the sor- 
rows of his soul. The former he bore in 
silence; but the latter drew from him the 
complaint in the garden, and the bitter cry 
on the cross. 

But, how shall I form a conception of the 
agonies of my Saviour's soul, while bearing 
our sins! In Gethsemane, there was no 
external cause of pain, no enemy seizing him, 
no injury done to his body. Yet I see him 
sore amazed and very heavy, prostrate on 
the ground, and earnestly pouring out his 
supplications to his Father, saying " If it be 



96 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

possible, let this cup pass from me ;" and 
saying to his disciples, " My soul is exceed- 
ingly sorrowful, even unto death : tarry ye 
here, and watch with me." What produced 
this mental agony, which was so great as to 
force the blood through the pores of his skin, 
falling on the ground ? Not the fear of the 
Jews, not the terror of the Roman sword. 
At these he did not tremble. He met them 
with undisturbed self-possession. 

What then, my soul, were the causes of 
this mysterious agony? Ah ! it was a sense 
of the infinite evil of sin, which he was to 
bear — an apprehension of the wrath of God 
which he was to feel in his soul — a sight of 
the fearful curse of the law which w T as to be 
poured out upon him. These, and not the 
fear of what man could inflict on his body, 
were the causes of his mysterious and over- 
whelming mental agonies, in the garden of 
Gethsemane. 

This may help me to form some conception 
of what my Saviour endured, during the three 
hours of preternatural darkness that con- 
cealed him from mortal view, while hanging 
on the cross, and when God emphatically 
made his soul an offering for sin, by hiding 



PRAYER. 97 

his face from him, withdrawing from him a 
comforting sense of his approbation and love, 
and pouring out upon his soul unmingled 
wrath. It was this that extorted from him 
the doleful cry, "My God, my God, why 
hast thou forsaken me?" 

And now recollecting, that my blessed Re- 
deemer, in making expiation for the sins of 
the world, was enduring in a few hours, suffer- 
ings which, measured by divine justice, were 
to be a full equivalent for the everlasting tor- 
ments of all who shall be saved, by believing 
on him, I may form some feeble conception 
of the immensity of his sufferings ; and see 
that he endured what none but God could in- 
flict, and none but God could sustain. 

Having borne all these overwhelming 
agonies, my Saviour said, " It is finished," 
and yielded up his spirit into the hands of his 
Father. 

He died, was taken down from the cross, 
was buried, and remained in the grave part 
of three days. 

PRAYER. 

O my dear Redeemer, didst thou endure 
all these great and overwhelming sufferings 
9 



98 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

for me ! How wonderful thy love ! What 
gratitude ! what returns of love are due to 
thee ! How should I be constrained to live 
for thee, who didst die, and revive, and rise 
again that thou mightest be Lord both of the 
dead and the living ! How joyfully should I 
do any service appointed, and patiently bear 
any suffering to which thou mayest call me ! 
O for grace thus to act, and thus to suffer! 

In the light of thy cross may I see the hor- 
rible nature of sin, and hate it with a perfect 
hatred. Give me to feel the virtue of thy 
death, that I may die daily unto sin, and live 
unto righteousness. Thou gavest thyself for 
us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify 
unto thyself a peculiar people, zealous of 
good works. Oh! let thy benevolent and 
holy design be accomplished in me. Let me 
be redeemed from all iniquity; and, by thy 
renewing grace, may I be so quickened as to 
become zealous of good works. Crucify all 
my sinful passions and evil propensities; and 
animate and strengthen every grace and 
virtue imparted to me by thy Holy Spirit, 
Hear and grant, O my Saviour, these re- 
quests, for thy name's sake. Amen. 



THE EVIL OF SIN. 99 



MEDITATION XL 

THE EVIL OF SIN. 

Nowhere is the infinite evil of sin seen so 
clearly and impressively, as in the light of the 
Redeemer's cross. There its hateful nature 
and ill-desert are displayed by the most con- 
vincing evidence. 

By reflecting on the infinite Majesty of the 
Lawgiver, who is insulted by sin, and con- 
sidering the excellence of the law, which it 
violates, its evil clearly appears. The law is 
good; it corresponds with the relations we 
sustain; it was designed to promote our hap- 
piness; and obedience to its requirements is 
enforced by infinite authority, and by awful 
sanctions : so that the violation of it involves 
the most daring presumption and basest in- 
gratitude, as well as the most foolish disre- 
gard to our own happiness. 

Its ruinous nature soon became apparent. 
No sooner had our first parents eaten of the 
forbidden fruit, than the degrading passion of 
shame began to work in their bosoms. They 



100 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

saw their nakedness, and made aprons of fig 
leaves sewed together, to hide it from their 
eyes. The voice of God had before been 
music to their ears, and they rejoiced to meet 
Him ; but now, feeling the guilt of sin, they 
trembled at the sound of that voice, and 
vainly tried "to hide themselves from the 
presence of the Lord God among the trees of 
the garden." 

Arraigned before the bar of their offended 
Creator, sentence of death is pronounced on 
the guilty pair. The sorrows of the woman 
are multiplied; the ground is cursed; man 
must eat its fruits in sorrow, and in the sweat 
of his brow, till he return to his native dust. 
They are expelled from the garden of Eden; 
and man is doomed to till the ground, now 
rendered sterile by the curse. Such were the 
immediate consequences of sin ! 

How soon the destructive nature of sin 
appeared ! Cain, prompted by this malignant 
evil, rose up against his righteous brother, 
who loved him, and had done him no harm, 
and slew him ; because God was pleased to 
show him tokens of his favour, which were 
withheld from Cain, on account of his diso- 
bedience in not complying with the prescribed 



THE EVIL OF SIN. 101 

worsihp. As men multiplied on the face of 
the earth, wickedness increased, and the evil 
nature of sin became more sadly apparent in 
divisions, contentions, strife, war, and blood- 
shed; so that God was provoked to express 
his abhorrence of it, by sweeping away the 
whole human race from the face of the earth, 
by a universal deluge; sparing only one 
family to reproduce the species, and repeople 
the earth with inhabitants. 

The great folly of sin may be seen in the 
conduct of Noah's descendants, who, to pre- 
vent their dispersion over the earth, resolved 
to build a city and a tower whose top was to 
reach unto heaven. How vain the design ! 
God had purposed their dispersion; and, to 
counteract their design, he confounded their 
language, so that they only who spake the 
same language could understand each other. 
Thus were they compelled to desist from 
their enterprise, and to separate into distinct 
bodies, and dwell in different regions. 

How degrading and polluting sin is seen 
to be in the beastly and unnatural practices 
of the people of Sodom; and God's abhor- 
rence of it in the fire that was sent down from 
heaven upon that guilty city, and its neigh- 
9* 



102 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

bour city, Gomorrah, to consume them on 
account of their great wickedness ! 

The history of innumerable wars that have 
occurred between different tribes and nations 
of men; the desolation of fruitful fields, the 
burning of towns and cities, the murdering of 
their inhabitants ; prevailing famines and pes- 
tilences; and the torrents of human blood 
that have been shed; all proclaim the destruc- 
tive nature of sin, and the wrath of God 
against it. The vast variety of diseases, and 
the torturing nature of some, to which hu- 
manity is subject, attest too the evil of sin, 
which has given them birth. 

The reign of death, that king of terrors, 
who has swept away from the earth all past 
generations of men, is sweeping away this 
generation, and will sweep away all succeed- 
ing generations, till the end of the world, is a 
standing evidence of the exceeding evil and 
ill-desert of sin; for his sceptre was received 
from sin, and his destructive empire founded 
on man's apostasy from his God. 

I stand at the mouth of the tomb. I think 
of the innumerable millions of the human 
race who lie down in the mansions of the 
dead; all reduced to dust and ashes — to one 



THE EVIL OF SIN. 103 

common ruin. I anticipate the day of judg- 
ment. I see all who forgat God arraigned be- 
fore his awful tribunal, trembling at his frowns 
and the expected sentence of condemna- 
tion. I hear the terrible words, " Depart from 
me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared 
for the devil and his angels." I see them 
sinking down to the prison of hell, and plung- 
ing into the lake that burneth with fire and 
brimstone, to be tormented for ever and ever. 
What a frightful evil is sin, which has caused 
all this ruin and misery ! 

But, when I turn to the cross, and behold 
an incarnate God, bleeding, suffering, ago- 
nizing, and dying for the sins of his rebellious 
creatures, I gain a more impressive view of 
the horrible evil of sin. Elsewhere I see the 
creature suffering ; but here I see the Crea- 
tor, in human nature, suffering. There God 
pours out his wrath upon rebellious men, 
upon his enemies; here he pours out his 
wrath upon his innocent and well beloved 
Son. What impenitent sinner, who looks at 
this amazing spectacle, can hope to escape 
merited punishment 1 How detestable is sin ! 
How should it be shunned as the greatest of 
all evils ! 



104 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

But, my soul, when I consider that my 
Saviour suffered for me — that his sacred 
head was crowned with thorns, his body 
scourged — his hands and feet torn with rug- 
ged nails— his side pierced with the soldier's 
spear — and his holy soul consumed in the 
fires of divine justice for my sins — how 
should I hate these murderers of my Lord ! 
how should my heart break and melt into 
penitence and love ! 

Let me keep near to the cross that I may 
feel its purifying influence. There I find 
that fountain opened for sin and all unclean- 
ness. There may I wash my soul in the 
Saviour's blood, to cleanse me both from the 
guilt and pollution of sin. " He gave himself 
for us, that he might redeem us from all 
iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works." Tit. ii. 14. 
With the apostle I may say, " I am crucified 
with Christ." Gal. ii. 20. United to him I 
have an interest in his death and in all its 
benefits. He died for me, that I might die 
unto sin, and live unto God. Let me then 
seek to feel both the moral and spiritual in- 
fluence that issues from my Redeemer's cross. 
From that sacred source may I derive the 



THE EVIL OF SIN. 105 

strongest motives to hate sin, and seek holi- 
ness. Did he suffer so much on account of 
my sins ? Then must I hate them and crucify 
them. Has he bought salvation for me? 
Then what gratitude do I owe to him, and 
how should it constrain me to live to him 
who died for me 1 Did he love me, so as to 
give himself to the death of the cross ? How 
then should I love him, and give myself to 
him ; by yielding my body a living sacrifice, 
holy, and acceptable unto God, which is my 
reasonable service ; and my soul, by being 
transformed by the renewing of my mind, 
that I may prove what is that good, and ac- 
ceptable and perfect will of God! Rom. 
xii. 1, 2. 

And from the cross let me derive a spin* 
tual influence to impart vitality, vigour and 
efficiency to all my motives. The Holy Spirit 
corned to man in consequences of the death of 
Christ ; and to honour his death, when glori- 
fied, he was shed down in so large a measure 
on the day of Pentecost. Let me, then, seek 
from my crucified Lord and Saviour the gift 
of the Holy Spirit to carry on that gracious 
work, which, I trust, he has begun in my 
heart. Let me pray for him, as my teacher, 



106 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

my sanctifier, my comforter; and as the 
Spirit of adoption, to hear witness with my 
spirit, that I am a child of God, and to seal 
me unto the day of redemption. Under his 
blessed influence I shall grow in grace, in 
piety, and in meetness for heaven. 



PRAYER. 

Gracious God, grant thy blessing to this 
meditation on the evil of sin. Fill my soul 
with a growing hatred of it, and grant that I 
may feel more and more the influence of the 
Redeemer's cross, in crucifying my sins, and 
delivering me from their power. Make me 
holy, as thou art holy, that I may see thee in 
thy kingdom above. I beseech thee to hear 
me, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 107 



MEDITATION XII. 

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 

The Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour 
is an essential article of the Christian faith. 
It was as necessary to our justification, as 
his death was to atone for our sins. Speak- 
ing of him the apostle says, " who was de- 
livered for our offences, and was raised 
again for our justification." Rom. iv. 25. 
Had he not risen, it would have proved his 
work to be incomplete ; and our salvation 
would have failed. 

The truth of his claims to be the Son of 
God he himself placed upon his rising from 
the dead. "What sign showest thou unto 
us," said the Jews, " seeing that thou doest 
these things ? Jesus answered and said unto 
them, Destroy this temple, and in three days 
I will raise it up. But he spake of the temple 
of his body." John ii. 18 — 21. His resur- 
rection then was conclusive proof that he 
was, what he claimed to be, the Son of God, 
the promised Messiah, and the Saviour of 
the world. Had he been an impostor he 



108 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

certainly could not have raised himself from 
the dead ; nor would God have raised him to 
life again, and lent the seal of heaven to con- 
firm an imposition on the world. By his 
resurrection from the dead he was declared 
to be the Son of God with power. Rom. i. 4. 
The importance of this article of our faith, 
the apostle Paul has clearly set forth. " Now 
if Christ be preached that he rose from the 
dead, how say some among you that there is 
no resurrection from the dead 1 But if there 
be no resurrection of the dead, then is not 
Christ risen : and if Christ be not risen, then 
is our preaching vain, and your faith is also 
vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses 
of God ; because we have testified of God that 
he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, 
if so be that the dead rise not. For if the 
dead rise not, then is not Christ raised : and 
if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain ; ye 
are yet in your sins. Then they also which 
are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If 
in this life only we have hope in Christ, we 
are of all men most miserable. But now is 
Christ risen from the dead, and become the 
first fruits of them that slept. For since by 
man came death, by man came also the 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 109 

resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam 
ail die, even so in Christ shall all be made 
alive. But every man in his own order: 
Christ the first fruits ; afterward they that are 
Christ's at his coming." 1 Cor. xv. 12 — 23. 

How thankful should we be, that such 
abundant evidence is afforded to establish 
our faith in this fundamental article of our 
holy religion ! This great fact, the resurrec- 
tion of Jesus Christ, was every where pro- 
claimed by the apostles. It was so inter- 
woven with the gospel, and lay so at the 
foundation of our hopes, that it was impossi- 
ble to preach the gospel, without affirming 
the Saviour's resurrection from the dead. 
And had we no other evidence of the fact, 
than the uniform and constant testimony of 
twelve apostles, it would be sufficient to 
establish our faith in this great and funda- 
mental truth ; for they were commissioned 
by God to preach, and they proved their 
commission, by numerous and indubitable 
miracles, which they wrought in the name of 
Jesus Christ. 

But, in addition to their testimony, we are 
told how they became convinced that their 
Lord and Master was alive from the dead. 



110 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

The evidence of the fact presented to them 
was perfect and infallible. The Redeemer 
appeared to them, after his resurrection, at 
sundry times, and in different ways ; so that 
they had afforded to them every method for 
identifying his risen body with the body in 
which he had lived, and had been crucified, 
while on the earth. They saw him ; they 
heard him speak ; they conversed with him ; 
they ate with him; they saw the prints of 
the nails in his hands and feet, and beheld in 
his side where he had been pierced with the 
soldier's spear. The evidence presented was 
irresistible. They all became convinced that 
their Lord and Master was indeed risen from 
the dead. Every doubt was expelled from 
their minds. And of the sincerity of their 
conviction and belief of this great fact, they 
gave to the world indubitable evidence, by 
testifying to the fact in the face of all oppo- 
sition, reproach, threatenings, persecution, 
imprisonment, and sufferings; and, finally, by 
sealing their testimony with their blood. 

What testimony can equal this? The wit- 
nesses were competent, credible, and numer- 
ous. The matter of their testimony was the 
truth of a fact, presented to their senses; 



THE EVIL OF SIN. Ill 

which they had repeated opportunities for 
examining in the most deliberate manner. 
They could not be deceived or mistaken in 
their own belief; and they have given the 
most ample proof that, in delivering their 
testimony to the world, they aimed at the 
glory of God, and the salvation of men. 

What an evidence of his resurrection was 
presented by our Lord on the day of Pente- 
cost! Behold, the Spirit descends from 
heaven, and fiery cloven tongues are seen 
upon the heads of his disciples. They are 
filled with the Holy Ghost, and begin to 
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gives 
them utterance. What a sudden change is 
wrought in the apostles ! With what bold- 
ness are they inspired ! They had concealed 
themselves before, but now they speak pub- 
licly with the utmost boldness; testifying the 
resurrection of Jesus Christ, and charging 
upon the Jews the crime of having crucified 
and slain him ! How powerful their preach- 
ing! Three thousand are converted, and 
added by baptism to the church, on that 
memorable day! 

And what a conclusive proof of this great 
fact is seen in the conversion of Saul of Tar- 



112 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

sus ! He was a bitter persecutor of the 
church, and a most determined enemy of 
Jesus Christ. Not satisfied with the evils he 
had brought on the saints at Jerusalem, he 
determines to extend his ravages to strange 
cities. Commissioned by the high-priest, he 
goes to Damascus to persecute them there; 
and while on the road, "breathing outthreat- 
enings and slaughter against the disciples of 
the Lord," he is prostrated to the ground, by 
a light from heaven thrown around him, 
brighter than the noon-day sun. Such over- 
powering evidence is impressed on his mind, 
that he becomes convinced at once that he 
who speaks to him from heaven, is Jesus 
Christ, whom he was persecuting. He is in 
a few days converted and baptized. He 
begins to preach Jesus Christ as the Saviour 
of the world, and the Lord of glory. And 
ever after he labours in his service with 
ardent love, untiring zeal, and unshaken con- 
stancy; and then offers himself as a sacrifice 
to his Lord, who loved him, and gave himself 
for him. 

With what confidence may I rest in the 
assured faith, that my Lord and Redeemer, 
who was crucified for my sins, arose from 



PRAYER. 



113 



the dead on the third day; seeing the 
seal of heaven thus set to the perfection of 
his great work, as Mediator between God 
and man! If I am crucified with him, let 
me rise with him ; let me die to sin, as he 
died for sin; and rise to newness of life, as he 
arose from death to life. Let me live under 
the influence both of his death and of his life. 
And as he arose and triumphed over death, 
as the Head of his church, and as the first 
fruits of his people, let me rejoice in the 
pledge thus given, that my body and the 
bodies of all his people shall be raised in 
glory hereafter, fashioned like to his most 
glorious body. 

PRAYER. 

My blessed Redeemer, I rejoice that, on 
the third day after thy crucifixion, thou didst 
arise from the dead. I bless thee for appear- 
ing so frequently to thy disciples, that they 
might know thee to be the same person, with 
whom they had lived and conversed, and 
from whom they had received so many acts 
of kindness; and thus be assured, by infallible 
proofs, that thou wast alive from the dead. I 
10* 



114 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

bless thee for the wonders of the day of Pen- 
tecost, by which thine apostles were pre- 
pared to bear testimony to thy glorious resur- 
rection from the dead, both by their preaching, 
and by the innumerable miracles which they 
wrought in thy name. I praise thee, that, by 
establishing and preserving thy church on 
the earth, in the midst of the fires of persecu- 
tion and the rage of devils, thou hast, in 
every age, given proof of thy resurrection 
and glorious exaltation to God's right hand. 

My Lord and my God, I believe that thou 
didst arise from the dead, and art alive for 
evermore. By this wonderful event, by 
taking up thy life which thou wast pleased to 
lay down, thou hast firmly established thy 
claims to Messiahship, and proved thyself to 
be the Son of God. And God, by raising 
thee from the dead, has published to the world 
that thou hast accomplished the mighty work 
of redemption, and that he is well pleased 
with it. 

And hast thou not, by the work of grace 
wrought in my heart, given me personal 
proofs of thy resurrection from the dead ? I 
live because thou livest. Thou art the living 
vine, from which I derive all my vitality and 



ASCENSION OF CHRIST. 115 

fruitfulness. Thou livest in me; and "the 
life that I live, I live by the faith of the Son 
of God, who loved me and gave himself for 
me." 

I rejoice that thou didst arise as the first 
fruits of them that sleep, and that hereafter 
thou wilt raise from the dead my dead body, 
and the dead bodies of all thy saints; and 
that thou wilt change our vile bodies, and 
fashion them like to thy most glorious body, 
and that we shall live and reign with thee 
for ever in glory. 

May I ever feel the power of thy resurrec- 
tion, and live by faith on this glorious truth 
of our divine religion. Amen. 



MEDITATION XIII. 

Christ's ascension into heaven, and interces- 
sion AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND. 

Forty days elapsed after his resurrection, 
before our Redeemer ascended to heaven. 
During that time he frequently appeared to 
his disciples to convince them that he was 



116 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

indeed alive again, conversing with them, 
and instructing them in things pertaining to 
the kingdom he was about to set up in the 
world. 

On the fortieth day, the Redeemer, being 
with his disciples at Jerusalem, commanded 
them to remain there, till they received the 
fulfilment of his promise to give them the 
Holy Ghost, to qualify them for their apos- 
tolical ministry. Then leading them out to 
mount Olivet, "while they beheld, he was 
taken up." As they gazed at their ascend- 
ing Lord, with wonder and delight, a cloud 
intervening concealed him from their view ; 
and two angels appeared, who assured them, 
that Jesus their Lord, who had left them by 
ascending to heaven, would hereafter be seen 
again coming from heaven to judge the 
world, and complete the salvation of his 
church. The apostles returned to Jerusalem; 
and waited there, in obedience to their Mas- 
ter's direction, for the promised gift of the 
Spirit. 

What followed after the cloud had inter- 
cepted the apostles' view of their ascending 
Lord, we are not told. With what speed he 
moved — by what worlds he passed in going 



ASCENSION OF CHRIST. 117 

to the highest heavens, we are wholly ig- 
norant. But, from the language of prophe- 
cy — Psal. lxviii. 17, 18 — we may conclude, 
that angels, who have always taken so deep 
an interest in the work of redemption, and 
who were commanded to worship the Son of 
God, when he was brought into the world, 
(Heb. i. 6,) assembled in great multitudes to 
form a splendid retinue, and grace the tri- 
umphant course of the great Conqueror of 
sin and the world, of death and hell; who 
was now displaying to worlds his triumph, 
especially over those principalities and powers, 
who were so eager for his death. Col. ii. 15. 
And when the Redeemer, as a conqueror, 
who had achieved such signal victories, 
brought such glory to God, and effected sal- 
vation for vast numbers of fallen and intelli- 
gent creatures, returning to heaven, to re- 
ceive his promised reward, was approaching 
the gates of the highest heavens; what a 
movement must have occurred among all 
orders of celestial- beings! and with what 
eager delight did they hasten to welcome him 
to his native home, and pay him the greatest 
possible honours! See Psal. xxiv. 7-10. 
"Worship him, all ye gods." Psal. xcvii. 7. 



118 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

" And let all the angels of God worship him." 
Heb. i. 6. 

Having entered into heaven, the Redeemer 
took his seat at the right hand of God. This 
we are taught to believe. " So then, after 
the Lord had spoken unto them, he was re- 
ceived up into heaven, and sat on the right 
hand of God." Mark xvi. 19. "Who being 
the brightness of his glory, and the express 
image of his person, and upholding all things 
by the word of his power, when he had by 
himself purged our sins, sat down on the 
right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb. 
i. 3. 

The import of this phrase may be learned 
from the following passages of holy Scripture, 
which speak of the exaltation of Jesus Christ. 
Paul says, (Ephes. i. 20-23,) "which he 
wrought in Christ, when he raised him from 
the dead, and set him at his own right hand 
in the heavenly places, far above all princi- 
pality, and power, and might, and dominion, 
and every name that is named, not only in 
this world, but also in that which is to come : 
and hath put all things under his feet, and 
gave him to be head over all things to the 
church; which is his body, the fulness of him 



ASCENSION OF CHRIST. 119 

that filleth all in all." And again he says, 
(Phil. ii. 7-11,) "Wherefore God also hath 
highly exalted him, and given him a name 
which is above every name: that at the name 
of Jesus every knee should bow, of things 
in heaven, and things in earth, and things 
under the earth; and that every tongue should 
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory 
of God the Father." 

The Redeemer, then, is exalted to the 
highest honour and glory, invested with un- 
limited dominion over all worlds, and all 
their inhabitants* Every thing, throughout 
the universe of God, is subjected to his 
authority and control; and all intelligent 
creatures of every order are required to wor- 
ship and obey him. He rules over all ; and 
he will judge all, in the last day; distributing 
rewards to the righteous, and punishments to 
the wicked. All this glory and dominion 
have been conferred upon him, let it be re- 
membered, not as God ; for as such he could 
receive nothing, because he, by his nature, 
of necessity possessed all things by right of 
creation: but as man and mediator ; in which 
respect, as he was humbled, so he could be 
exalted; and being a divine person, he was 



120 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

capable of holding the reins of universal do- 
minion, and conducting the government of 
the universe with consummate skill and infi- 
nite wisdom. 

The ascension and exaltation of Jesus 
Christ our Redeemer, is matter of praise and 
joy for different reasons. He has received 
the reward that was promised him when he 
undertook the mighty work he so nobly 
accomplished. "For the joy that was set 
before him, (the joy of glorifying God in the 
salvation of a lost world,) he endured the 
cross, despising the shame, and is set down 
on the right hand of the throne of God." 
Heb. xii. 2. Who that loves the Saviour 
will not rejoice, that he has received his pro- 
mised reward, and that this world and all 
other worlds are governed by him, who loved 
sinners and gave himself for them 1 " The 
Lord," the Saviour, "reigneth: let the earth 
rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad 
thereof." Psal. xcvii. 1. 

Another reason for joy, thanksgiving, and 
praise, is this. The Redeemer has entered 
heaven as our forerunner; Heb. vi. 19, 20; 
and gone to prepare for his people mansions 
in his Father's house ; to which, in due time. 



ASCENSION OF CHRIST. 121 

he will receive them, that where he is, there 
they may be also. John xiv. 1-3. Being 
united to Christ by faith, believers have vir- 
tually risen and ascended with him, and now 
sit with him in heavenly places. Ephes. ii. 
6, 7. And does not this demand our praise 
and thanksgiving to God 1 and should we not 
rejoice that our exalted Redeemer holds in 
his hands our future and eternal inheritance, 
which he purchased with his precious blood? 

Behold, my soul, on the throne of the uni- 
verse, thy Saviour, thy Forerunner, thy elder 
Brother, and thy dearest Friend. Let this 
furnish thee with a song of thanksgiving, joy, 
and praise, in the house of thy pilgrimage. 
"Seek those things that are above, where 
Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Set 
thy affections on things above, not on things 
on the earth." Thy "life," remember, "is 
hid with Christ in God." Col. iii. 1-3. Abide, 
therefore, in him, and he in thee; and thus 
thou wilt bring forth much fruit to the glory 
of God. John xv. 5. 

The church is safe in the hands of her ex- 
alted Head. She is indeed environed with 
numerous and powerful enemies. But her 
glorious Redeemer, who loves her, is mighty 
11 



122 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

to save. He triumphed over them on his 
cross; for by dying he destroyed death and 
him that had the power of death, that is, the 
devil. By his death he subverted the empire 
of Satan, and laid the foundation of his own 
kingdom that will last for ever. His church 
has been protected and delivered by him in 
past ages; and he will protect and deliver 
her in all time to come. Her enemies con- 
quered are held by him in chains as captives. 
No assault can be made by them without his 
knowledge and permission; and he will as- 
suredly watch all their designs, and overrule 
them for the benefit of his people, and finally 
secure to them a complete victory over them, 
and cause them to share in his triumph over 
all his and their enemies. 

Rejoice, my soul, that thou art in the hands 
of One who is mighty to save, and who has 
said, " My sheep hear my voice, and I know 
them, and they follow me : and I give unto 
them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, 
neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. 
My Father, which gave them me, is greater 
than all; and no man (no one) is able to 
pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and 
my Father are one." John x. 27-30. 



PRAYER. 123 



PRAYER. 

Thou, O my Redeemer, hast "ascended up 
on high," thou hast "led captivity captive;" 
thou art seated on the right hand of God ; 
thou art invested with universal dominion. 
I believe the truth, and rejoice in it. I re- 
joice that thou hast received the promised 
reward, and that thou hast gone into heaven 
as the forerunner of thy people to prepare 
mansions of rest for them. Thou hast re- 
ceived gifts for men, and thou art bestowing 
them on thy church. She is safe in thy 
hand, and no weapon formed against her 
shall prosper. 

And being united to thee by faith, do I not 
participate with thee in thy ascension and ex- 
altation? Do I not sit with thee in heavenly 
places'? What an influence, then, should this 
blessed truth have upon me ! How should I 
seek the things that are above, where thou 
sittest at the right hand of God! O for a 
heavenly mind ! O for a heart to rise above 
the world, and dwell in heavenly places! 
Draw me, O my exalted Redeemer, and help 
me to live in a manner correspondent to my 



124 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

glorious destiny. Prepare me to sit with thee, 
on thy throne, and to enjoy and praise thee 
for ever and ever. Amen. 



MEDITATION XIV. 

THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. 

An eminent type of the intercession of our 
great High-priest, was exhibited to the Jew- 
ish church on the annual day of atonement. 
On that day their high-priest, having offered 
the prescribed sacrifice, first, for himself, and 
then for the sins of the people, went into the 
most holy place, to burn incense, and make 
intercession for the people. So our great 
High-priest, having offered his prescribed 
sacrifice, went into heaven, typified by the 
most holy place in the temple, and made in- 
tercession for his church. 

But let me mark the difference between the 
type and the antitype. The Jewish high- 
priest offered sacrifice for his own sins ; but 
our High-priest, being perfectly free from all 
personal sins, offered no sacrifice for himself. 



THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. 125 

The former offered animal sacrifices ; but the 
latter offered up himself as a sacrifice for his 
people. The sacrifices which the former 
offered could not take away sin; but the 
great sacrifice which the latter offered effec- 
tually cleanseth from all sin. Heb. ix. 12- 
14. The former had to offer annually his 
appointed sacrifices; Heb. ix. 25; but the 
latter completed his work, by offering his 
one great sacrifice. Heb. ix. 25-28. The 
former had to yield his office to his succes- 
sor; Heb. vii. 28; but the latter, having an 
unchangeable priesthood, ever liveth to make 
intercession for his church. Heb. vii. 24, 25. 
The Redeemer's sacrifice was, in its intrin- 
sic value, sufficient for the salvation of all 
men; and his ministers are authorized to 
preach the gospel to all men, and to say to 
every one who hears them, " Believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." 
But he intercedes in heaven only for his 
chosen people. So he tells us in that solemn 
intercessory prayer, which he offered to his 
Father, just before his crucifixion. " I pray 
for them: I pray not for the world, but for 
them which thou hast given me; for they are 
thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are 



126 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

mine ; and I am glorified in them. Neither 
pray I for these alone, but for them also 
which shall believe on me through their 
word." John xvii. 9, 10, 20. 

Every believer may rest assured, that his 
name is written on the heart of our great 
High-priest, and that he intercedes for him 
before the throne. 

How invaluable the blessings for which 
our glorious Intercessor prays ! He does 
not ask that we should be taken out of the 
world, but that we should be kept from the 
evil. He is willing that we should be left in 
the world, evil and ensnaring as it is, to ac- 
complish our assigned work, in the allotted 
time; but he prays to his Father, that we 
may be kept from the Evil One, and not per- 
mitted to be overcome by his subtle and 
wicked devices, and may be sanctified more 
and more, by the purifying influence of the 
word of God. 

Another blessing for which he prays, is one 
that claims the serious consideration of all 
professing Christians. It is their unity: — 
"That they may be one, even as we are one; 
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be 
made perfect in one; that the world may 



THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. 127 

know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved 
them, as thou hast loved me." John xvii. 22, 
23. Does our blessed Redeemer pray to his 
Father that his disciples may love one 
another, and exhibit such unity, as will con- 
vince the world, that they are animated by 
principles which the world does not possess, 
and bring honour to their heavenly source? 
and shall we not endeavour to cultivate the 
kindest feelings of brotherly love; avoiding 
all strife and contentions, that would mar 
and obscure our unity of spirit and heart ? 

Nor is this all : our blessed Lord prays for 
the consummation of the happiness of his dis- 
ciples in the kingdom of his glory. He leaves 
them, for an appointed time, in the world, to 
endure afflictions and trials, and to serve God 
in their day and generation; but he designs 
them for a higher and a heavenly state of ex- 
istence, near to himself, the Lord of glory. 
Of this we are assured in his solemn interces- 
sory prayer: "Father, I will that they also, 
whom thou hast given me, be with me where 
I am ; that they may behold my glory, which 
thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me be* 
fore the foundation of the world." John 
xvii. 24. 



128 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

How prevailing the intercession of our 
great High-priest! He pleads for us, not 
like one supplicating for blessings, which he 
knows he does not deserve; but, as a Son 
with his Father, who knows he prays for 
promised blessings, which were purchased 
with his blood. His intercession, founded on 
his all-meritorious sacrifice, must be ever- 
prevailing. At the grave of Lazarus, he 
said, "Father, I thank thee, that thou hast 
heard me. And I knew that thou hearest 
me always : but because of the people that 
stand by I said it, that they may believe that 
thou hast sent me." John xi. 41, 42. Not 
one for whom he intercedes shall fail of sal- 
vation ; not one petition he presents can fail 
to be heard and granted. 

Is a doubt excited in the mind, by the 
want of unity in the church ? Will any one 
inquire, how the discordant state of Christen- 
dom accords with the prayer of our Saviour 
for the unity of his disciples? They are 
united in the strictest manner; living in union 
to one Lord — under the same government — 
inhabited by one Spirit — rejoicing in the 
same blessed hope — children of the same 
heavenly family — meeting daily at the same 



THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. 129 

throne of grace — heirs of the same kingdom, 
and animated by the same love for Christ, 
for his cause, and people. In primitive times 
their love for each other was so conspicuous, 
as to attract and command the admiration of 
the heathen; and hereafter Christian love 
will so burn as to consume all obstructions 
to its heavenly course, and make the church 
visibly, as she always has been spiritually, 
one blessed society. The apparent want of 
union arises from the great number of mere 
professors, who have attached themselves to 
the visible church, and the corrupting and 
disorganizing influence of civil governments 
in her affairs. 

Welcome that happy period, when all these 
obstructions to the visible unity of the church 
shall be removed; when political men shall 
keep within their appropriate sphere, and 
leave her government to those to whose 
hands her glorious Head has committed it : 
and when all her members shall be what they 
profess to be ! Then shall the world be in- 
deed convinced of the divine mission of Jesus 
Christ; and the church on earth be a beauti- 
ful and glorious type of the church in heaven ; 
where the prevailing influence of our great 



130 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Intercessor will be seen, in all its glorious 
power, without an intervening cloud to ob- 
scure the most perfect unity of all his re- 
deemed people. Love to Christ and love to 
one another, will bind them together in the 
closest and most intimate unity, free from 
every discordant feeling, for ever, to the 
glory of God and of the Lamb. O ! blessed 
consummation of grace, and love, and glory, 
come quickly, and let the Redeemer see of 
the travail of his soul, and be satisfied ! 

PRAYER. 

Most High and Holy God, by the interces- 
sion of our great High-priest, I am reminded 
of my fallen and sinful condition. Man, 
while innocent and holy, stood in no need of 
a mediator. He had immediate access, like 
the holy angels, to thy throne, and could offer 
up his prayers, thanksgivings, and praises 
acceptably to his Creator and Benefactor. 
But this great privilege he has forfeited by 
sin. Guilty and depraved, it does not be- 
come infinite purity to allow him to approach 
for worship, but through a Mediator. Bless- 
ed be thy great name, we have a glorious 



PRAYER. 131 

Mediator, who has opened up for us a new 
and living way of access to the mercy-seat, 
through the rent veil, that is, his flesh. In 
infinite mercy thine own Son has been ap- 
pointed to this high office; who, having 
offered up himself as a sacrifice for sin, has 
gone as our High-priest into heaven, the 
most holy place, to intercede for his people. 
And blessed be thy name, we have now the 
privilege of drawing nigh by him into thy 
presence, with boldness, and of asking of thee, 
with believing confidence, every needed 
blessing. 

Gracious God, grant me faith in this great 
High-priest and Intercessor. O! may my 
worthless name be graven on his heart, and 
I be an object of his prevailing intercession. 
Let all the blessings for which he prays be 
bestowed on me. May I be preserved from 
the evil one, kept, and guarded and preserved 
by thy power and grace, while I remain in 
this world ! Sanctify me by thy truth ; and 
grant, I beseech thee, that I may be enabled 
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace. May I cherish and cultivate the 
kindest feelings of brotherly love towards my 
fellow disciples, and, at last, be taken to 



132 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Christ, to dwell with him, and behold his 
glory. Hear my prayer, and grant all these 
blessings, I beseech thee, O Lord, my God, 
for the sake of my great High-priest and Ad- 
vocate, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



MEDITATION XV. 

CHRIST COMING TO JUDGMENT. 

Of this sublime event we are reminded by 
the words of our Lord in his precious institu- 
tion — " for as often as ye eat this bread, and 
drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death 
till he come." 

Like the passover, the Lord's supper has a 
double aspect. As the former looked back 
to the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian 
bondage, and forward to that greater deliver- 
ance of the true Israel from bondage to sin, 
the world and Satan, which it typified; so 
the Lord's supper looks back to the accom- 
plishment of our redemption by his great 
sacrifice, and forward to his second coming 
to complete our salvation. 



CHRIST COMING TO JUDGMENT. 133 

That God will, at some future day, judge 
the world, human reason can infer from the 
disorder prevailing in the present state of 
things. It cannot be that under the govern- 
ment of righteousness, the wicked should 
oppress the good, without being called to an 
account for their evil deeds. Vice may tri- 
umph for a time over virtue; but its triumph 
will be short. The honour of God's right- 
eousness requires that the prevalent disorder 
in human affairs, should be corrected, and 
that the world should learn that he will 
appear as the friend of righteousness, and as 
the enemy of unrighteousness. 

But we are not left to our reason to es- 
tablish this great truth, so important to be 
known. In every age, God has, by his in- 
spired prophets, assured mankind, that he will 
summon them before his awful and righteous 
tribunal, to render up to him an account of 
their conduct in the present state, and 
to receive their rewards and punishments. 
"Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied 
of these things, saying, Behold, the Lord 
cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to 
execute judgment upon all, and to convince 
all that are ungodly among them of all their 
12 



134 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly 
committed, and of all their hard speeches 
which ungodly sinners have spoken against 
him." Jude 14, 15. David proclaims this 
great truth : " Our God shall come, and shall 
not keep silence: a fire goeth before him, and 
it shall be very tempestuous round about 
him. He shall call to the heavens from 
above, and to the earth that he may judge his 
people. Gather my saints together unto me ; 
those that have made a covenant with me by 
sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his 
righteousness; for God is judge himself." 
Psal. 1. 3-6. Paul reasoned of " righteous- 
ness, temperance, and judgment to come, 
and Felix trembled." Acts xxiv. 25. And 
in his epistle to the Hebrews, (Heb. ix. 27,) 
he affirms, " It is appointed unto men once to 
die, but after this the judgment." John says, 
" I saw a great white throne, and him that 
sat on it, from whose face the earth and the 
heaven fled away: and there was found no 
place for them. And I saw the dead, small 
and great, stand before God ; and the books 
were opened: and another book was opened, 
which is the book of life : and the dead were 
judged out of those things which were written 



CHRIST COMING TO JUDGMENT. 135 

in the books, according to their works. And 
the sea gave up the dead which were in it; 
and death and hell delivered up the dead 
which were in them: and they were judged 
every man, according to their works." Rev. 
xx. 11-13. 

The day of judgment is fixed; "but of that 
day and that hour knoweth no man, no not 
the angels which are in heaven, but my 
Father only." Matt. xxiv. 36. Hence it is 
written, " The day of the Lord so cometh as 
a thief in the night." 2 Pet. iii. 10. 

Awful day! "But the heavens and the 
earth, which are now, by the same word, are 
kept in store, reserved unto fire against the 
day of judgment and perdition of ungodly 
men; — in the which the heavens shall pass 
away with a great noise, and the elements 
shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also 
and the works that are therein shall be burned 
up." 2 Pet. iii. 7, 10. 

But let me rejoice, the Judge, before whose 
bar I shall be arraigned, and from whose 
lips I shall hear the sentence that will deter- 
mine my everlasting condition, is the Lord 
Jesus. So he assures me. " The Father 
judgeth no man, but hath committed all judg- 



136 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ment unto the Son, that all men should honour 
the Son, even as they honour the Father. 
He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth 
not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, 
verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my 
word, and believeth on him that sent me, 
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into 
condemnation ; but is passed from death unto 
Kfe. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the 
hour is coming, and now is, when the dead 
shall hear the voice of the Son of God : and 
they that hear shall live. For as the Father 
hath life in himself, so hath he given to the 
Son to have life in himself; and hath given 
him authority to execute judgment also, be- 
cause he is the Son of man. Marvel not at 
this : for the hour is coming, in the which all 
that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 
and shall come forth: they that have done 
good unto the resurrection of life; and they 
that have done evil, unto the resurrection of 
damnation." John v. 22-29. 

How exalted and glorious will my Saviour 
then appear to an assembled universe ! " When 
the Son of man shall come in his glory, and 
all the holy angels with him, then shall he 
sit upon the throne of his glory: and before 



CHRIST COMING TO JUDGMENT. 137 

him shall be gathered all nations : and he shall 
separate them one from another, as a shep- 
herd divideth his sheep from the goats: and 
he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but 
the goats on the left. Then shall the King 
say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye 
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom 
prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world; for I was an hungered, and ye gave 
me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me 
drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; 
naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and 
ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came 
unto me." Oh! the infinite condescension 
and mercy of the Redeemer, thus to notice 
and reward the good deeds done by his 
disciples to their fellow disciples, as if done 
to himself! "And then shall he say unto 
them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye 
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
devil and his angels: for I was an hungered, 
and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, 
and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, 
and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed 
me not: sick and in prison, and ye visited me 
not." Matt. xxv. 31-43. 
How terrible will be that day of glory to 
12* 



138 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

his enemies; "when the Lord Jesus shall 
be revealed from heaven, with his mighty 
angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on 
them that know not God, and obey not the 
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: w r ho shall 
be punished with everlasting destruction from 
the presence of the Lord and from the glory 
of his power !" 2 Thess. i. 7-9. But how 
joyful will it be to his friends, "when he shall 
come to be glorified in his saints, and ad- 
mired in all them that believe!" (Verse 10.) 
"For the Lord himself shall descend from 
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the 
archangel, and with the trump of God : and 
the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. 
iv. 16. "Behold, I show you a mystery. 
We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be 
changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of 
an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet 
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in- 
corruptible, and we shall be changed. For 
this corruptible must put on incorruption, and 
this mortal must put on immortality. So 
then when this corruptible shall have put on 
incorruption, and this mortal shall have put 
on immortality, then shall be brought to pass 
the saying that is written, Death is swallowed 



PRAYER. 139 

up in victory. death, where is thy sting ? 

grave, where is thy victory? The sting 
of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the 
law. But thanks be to God, which giveth 
us the victory through our Lord Jesus 
Christ." 1 Cor. xv. 51-57. " Then cometh 
the end, when he shall have delivered up the 
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he 
shall have put down all rule, and all authori- 
ty and power. For he must reign, till he 
hath put all enemies under his feet. The last 
enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 

1 Cor. xv. 24-27. 

Rejoice, my soul, in view of that glorious 
day, when thy salvation will be consum- 
mated! Never lose sight of it; but steadily 
look for the coming of thy Lord, that thou 
mayest receive from him a crown of right- 
eousness. 



PRAYER. 

Almighty God, Sovereign of the universe, 
thou reignest over this world, with infinite 
wisdom and justice. Darkness, disorder, and 
confusion surrround me; but I am sustained 
by thy word. Light will be brought out of 



140 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

this darkness, and order out of this confusion. 
Thou hast appointed a day in which thou 
wilt judge the world in righteousness, by thy 
Son Jesus Christ, whom thou hast appointed 
universal Judge; of which thou hast given 
assurance unto all men, by his resurrection 
from the dead. I believe and rejoice in the 
truth. I rejoice that my Redeemer is thus 
exalted, and that he will arraign both his 
friends and his enemies before his judgment- 
seat, from which he will pronounce the sen- 
tence of life on the one, and the sentence of 
death on the other. I rejoice in the belief of 
thy word ; and pray that my faith in it may 
become stronger and stronger. Afford me 
grace, I beseech thee, to live daily under the 
influence of this great and interesting truth. 
May I constantly act in reference to the 
coming judgment. Grant that the future ap- 
pearing of the Lord may be the joy of my 
heart ; and that when I shall see him in that 
day, I may triumph in his grace, and receive 
from his hands a crown of life. All this, I 
ask in his name. Amen. 



LOVE OF CHRIST. 141 



MEDITATION XVI. 

THE LOVE OF CHRIST. 

The love of Christ, how peerless and won- 
derful ! How it beams in amazing splendour 
from his cross, and sheds a glorious light on 
all that preceded, and on all that followed it ! 
Love was the spring of all that he did and 
suffered for us ! 

Did he undertake the redemption of our 
fallen race? Love prompted the infinite 
condescension. Did he empty himself of his 
glory, take the form of a servant, and appear 
in the fashion and likeness of a man I Love 
disposed him to submit to the profound 
humiliation. Why did he subject himself to 
the law, and obey all its requisitions ? Why 
did he live in obscurity and poverty? Why 
did he encounter opposition, slander, and 
reviling from wicked men? Because he 
loved us. It was love for us that led him to 
the garden, where he agonized, and sweat, as 
it were, great drops of blood, and offered up 
that mysterious prayer — " my Father, if it 



142 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

be possible, let this cup pass from me. Never- 
theless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matt, 
xxvi. 39. 

He is betrayed with the kiss of a disciple; 
he is bound by the soldiers, and rudely led to 
the palace of the high-priest. There he is 
treated with the utmost indignity, and con- 
demned to death. Then he is hurried to 
Pilate's bar, and accused of treason and blas- 
phemy, and his crucifixion demanded. Pilate 
cowardly yields to the clamorous demands 
of the Jews, against his own convictions. 
He is condemned, scourged, crowned with 
thorns, and cruelly mocked. He bears it all 
with the utmost patience; and suffers his 
blessed body to be nailed to the cross, and 
put to death. Ah ! had he not loved us, he 
would have hurled Pilate from his judgment 
seat, and laid all his enemies prostrate and 
lifeless on the ground; and the scene that oc- 
curred on Calvary, would never have been 
witnessed, nor would that doleful cry have 
been heard, "My God, my God, why hast 
thou forsaken me?' 

The love of Christ was perfectly free. He 
was under no obligations to interpose in be- 
half of our fallen race. He might have left 



LOVE OF CHRIST. 143 

us to sink for ever under condemnation and 
in deserved misery, without tarnishing his 
glory. Nor did he stand in any need of our 
services; for, with a word, he could have 
called into existence a thousand worlds, and 
peopled them with superior intelligent crea- 
tures, who would have rendered cheerful 
obedience to his high commands. His love, 
then, was perfectly free. 

It was as sovereign as it was free. The 
fallen angels belonged to an order of beings 
superior to our race. But the Son of God 
did not love them. He did not undertake to 
save them from ruin and misery. He left 
them to suffer the bitter consequences of their 
unprovoked and ungrateful rebellion, in chains 
of darkness unto the judgment of the great 
day. This superior order of creatures he 
passed by, without visiting them with the 
overflowings of his mercy; and, in the exer- 
cise of his adorable sovereignty, he was 
pleased to set his love on our inferior race, 
and deliver us from richly merited misery ! 

And how costly to himself was the Re- 
deemer's love! Our redemption could not 
be effected by a mere proclamation of divine 
amnesty, by merely blotting out our sins. 



144 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Nor could an incarnate angel, acting and 
suffering as our substitute, have achieved the 
mighty work. Infinitely more than this was 
demanded. The redemption of our fallen 
race required the interposition and sufferings 
of an incarnate God. Blood divine, offended 
justice called for. And so infinite was the 
love of the Son of God to us, that he willing- 
ly consented to meet and satisfy all the de- 
mands of law and justice; to yield the obe- 
dience which we were unable to yield, and to 
suffer the punishment which we could not 
endure. 

To form some conception how costly was 
thy Saviour's love, think, my soul, of his 
lowly birth, of his sorrowful life, of his num- 
berless enemies, of Pilate's judgment seat, of 
Herod and his soldiers, of the malignant 
Jewish priests and rulers; and especially of 
his wonderful agony in the garden, and of 
what he endured during the three hours of 
darkness, when, hanging on the cross, his 
Father forsook him, bruised him, and made 
his soul an offering for sin. 

Having considered how free, and sovereign, 
and costly, the love of Christ was, let me 
now contemplate the rich benefits it confers 



LOVE OF CHRIST. 145 

on its objects. How inestimable, how sur- 
passing all comprehension! Guilty, their 
guilt is taken away, and all their sins are 
freely and fully forgiven. Dead in sin, they 
are quickened to a new, spiritual, holy, and 
divine life. At enmity with God, they are 
reconciled to God, and brought into a state of 
favour. Condemned, they are justified and 
made righteous, through the imputed right- 
eousness of Christ. From the family of Sa- 
tan, they are taken, and adopted into the 
family of the Most High, and enrolled among 
his children. Heirs of wrath, they are con- 
stituted heirs of heaven. The Spirit is sent 
down from above to dwell for ever in their 
hearts, as their teacher and guide, as their 
sanctifier and comforter, as a pledge of joys 
to come, and to seal them unto the day of 
redemption. They are partially sanctified 
here, and they will be perfectly sanctified 
hereafter. 

They open the book of God, and what do 
they read ? That God has made with them 
an everlasting covenant, confirmed by the 
blood of his Son, and sealed to them, at the 
table of their Lord, with the symbols of his 
broken body and shed blood; a covenant 
13 



146 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

comprehending time and eternity, and bless- 
ings that transcend their highest conceptions , 
a covenant including exceeding great and 
precious promises; in which it is written, 
" For the Lord God is a sun and shield ; the 
Lord will give grace and glory: no good 
thing will he withhold from them that walk 
uprightly." Psal. lxxxiv. 11. "He that 
spared not his own Son, but delivered him 
up for us all, how shall he not with him also 
freely give us all things?' Rom. viii. 32. 
" Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give 
thee a crown of life." Rev. ii. 10. " To him 
that overcometh will I grant to sit with me 
on my throne, even as I also overcame, and 
am set down with my Father on his throne." 
Rev. iii. 21. What amazing promises 
these ! 

Contemplating the love of Christ, so rich 
in its benefits to them, well may the redeemed 
exclaim with John ; " Behold, what manner 
of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that 
we should be called the sons of God : there- 
fore the world knoweth us not, because it 
knew him not. Beloved, now are we the 
sons of God, and it doth not yet appear, 
what we shall be: but we know that, when 



LOVE OF CHRIST. 147 

he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we 
shall see him as.he is." 1 John iii. 1, 2. 

For love so free and sovereign — so costly 
and rich — what shall I render to my Lord 
and Master? I have nothing to give him, 
but my worthless heart. Will he accept this 
poor return? He will; for this is all he 
seeks. O ! then, let me love him with all my 
heart, and soul, and might, and strength. Let 
my heart overflow with gratitude, for his 
amazing grace and blessings. Let me for 
ever speak his praise; and, as "to this end 
Christ died, and rose, and revived, that he 
might be Lord both of the dead and living ;" 
(Rom. xiv. 9 ;) let me acknowledge him to be 
my Lord, and yield to him a cheerful, unre- 
served, and growing obedience to all his 
commandments. This is the only way to 
prove my love to him, who loved me, and 
gave himself for me ; for he has said, " If ye 
love me, keep my commandments:" and 
again, " He that hath my commandments, 
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: 
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my 
Father, and I will love him, and will manifest 
myself to him." John xiv. 15, 21. 



148 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 



PRAYER. 

Blessed Redeemer, I bless thee for love so 
free, so sovereign, so costly to thyself, but so 
rich in benefits to men. May I love to con- 
template thy love that shines so brightly in 
all that thou wast pleased to undertake to 
accomplish for us, and in all that thou didst 
do and suffer. And blessed be thy name, 
that we are sure that the same love still 
dwells in thy heart, and that in the last day 
it will appear in all its overflowing fulness. 
May I make a suitable return of gratitude 
and love. Take entire possession of my 
heart, and reign over all my affections and 
powers, and draw them forth to thyself 
by the constraining influence of thy Holy 
Spirit. 

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
of whom the whole family in heaven and 
earth is named, grant me, according to the 
riches of thy glory, to be strengthened with 
might by thy Spirit in the inner man ; that 
Christ may dwell in my heart by faith ; that 
I, being rooted and grounded in love, may be 
able to comprehend with all saints, what is 



SELF-EXAMINATION. 1 49 

the breadth, and depth, and length, and 
height ; and to know the love of Christ, which 
passeth knowledge, that I may be filled with 
all the fulness of God. " Now unto him who 
is able to do exceeding abundantly above all 
that I ask or think, according to the power 
that worketh in us; unto him be glory in 
the Church, by Christ. Jesus, throughout all 
ages, world without end. Amen." Ephes. 
iii. 14-21. 



MEDITATION XVII. 

SELF-EXAMINATION. 

I have contemplated the cross of my Re- 
deemer, and meditated on the great truths 
connected with it; and by so doing I have 
remembered him, in accordance with the end 
of that ordinance, for which I am endeavour- 
ing to make preparation. It now behoves 
me to attend to a particular duty prescribed 
in the institution : " But let a man examine 
himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and 
drink of that cup." The duty doubtless 
13* 



150 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

means that he should, by the due perform- 
ance of it, ascertain his right to a seat at the 
sacred table. 



PRAYER. 

O thou omniscient and heart- searching God, 
I am about entering on a most important 
duty; to inquire into, and determine my real 
character and condition in thy sight. I need 
thine aid; and I beseech thee to compose and 
to enlighten my mind. Graciously grant the 
aids of thy Holy Spirit to bear witness with 
my spirit, that I am thy child, renewed and 
sanctified by thy grace. Let me not deceive 
myself with a name to live, if I be dead. Un- 
deceive me, if I be deceived. But, if I am a 
renewed creature, help me to ascertain and 
determine the fact, that I may rejoice in my 
filial relation to thee, my God. Hear me, for 
Christ's sake. Amen. 

The first question, then, which I have to 
propose to myself is this: "Am I a Chris- 
tian?' True, I was descended from Chris- 
tian parents, born in the visible church, and 
baptized when an infant, in the name of the 



SELF-EXAMINATION. 151 

sacred Three. But, while I should be grate- 
ful for the privilege connected with my birth, 
and duly appreciate my infant dedication to 
God, in the rite of baptism, I must remember 
that neither my birth nor my baptism will 
entitle me to a seat at the Lord's table. The 
question proposed, imports much more than 
these outward privileges. To be a Christian 
is to be born again, regenerated by the Holy 
Spirit, and united to Jesus Christ by a true 
and living faith. Am I a Christian in this 
sense of the name ? Certainly I was not born 
such. I came into the world with the same 
depraved nature which others inherited; a 
child of wrath even as they. 

Was I ever convinced of this lamentable 
fact? Were my eyes opened by the Spirit, 
to see my sinful and lost condition, as dead 
in sin, and condemned by the divine law to 
everlasting misery? Trembling under the 
painful conviction, did I strive, by sorrow 
and reformation, to flee from the wrath to 
come ! Have I seen the futility of my own 
endeavours and works to recommend me to 
God, and save my soul ? Do I understand 
the provision made in the gospel for the gra- 
tuitous justification of sinners 1 Has my mind 



152 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

been enlightened to see the fulness, the suit- 
ableness, and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ as 
a Saviour ? Do I believe that he is both able 
and willing to save all that will come to him ? 
And, under this belief, did I apply to him 
for his salvation ? Do I rely on his merits 
for acceptance with God? Have I taken 
him to be my Redeemer, and committed my 
soul, and my eternal interests, into his hands, 
and devoted myself to his service ? 

Have I experienced a change in my nature, 
and been quickened into a new spiritual life ? 
Have old things passed away, and all things 
become new? Are my views, feelings, and 
affections changed ? Have I new views of 
God, of his law, of myself, of sin, of duty, 
and of Christ? Do I see the comparative 
emptiness of worldly things, and the infinite 
value of heavenly and eternal things? Has 
the current of my affections been changed ? 
Have they been turned from earth to heaven? 
from the creature to the Creator ? Do I love 
things which I formerly hated, and hate 
things which I formerly loved ? Is sin hate- 
ful to me, not only on account of its injurious 
consequences, but on account of its vile and 
odious nature, as a breach of the divine law, 



SELF-EXAMINATION. 1 53 

and as being offensive to God ? Is holioess 
truly lovely in my sight, and do I hunger and 
thirst after righteousness 1 Do I love the in- 
spired volume, and make it the man of my 
counsel and my delight ? Do I always pray 
for the teachings of the Holy Spirit whenever 
I read it, saying, with David, "open thou 
mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous 
things out of thy law?' Has God conde- 
scended to hear my prayers? and do I, at 
times, enjoy communion with him in that 
exercise ? Do I love to pray, and find that I 
cannot live without prayer ? 

Has my conduct undergone a great change? 
Have I a new and a different end in life? 
Is it the glory of God ? Am I watchful over 
my actions, guarding against temptation and 
sin ? Am I, in a good degree, successful in 
my endeavours to do the will of God ? Do I 
indulge myself in no sin, and allow myself 
to live in the omission of no known duty? 
Is it my sincere desire and prayer to God to 
be sanctified in my whole nature ? Do I take 
pleasure in the expectation, that hereafter I 
shall be freed from all sin, and made per- 
fectly holy in the Divine image ? Do I de- 
sire heaven, not merely as a refuge from evil, 



154 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

and as a place of happiness, but as a place 
where holiness reigns, and from which all sin 
is for ever banished ? 

If I can answer these questions affirma- 
tively, I may regard myself as a Chris- 
tian. 

An advanced believer finds but little diffi- 
culty in deciding his claim to the Christian 
character. He has become so familiar with 
the nature of the Spirit's gracious operations 
on the human soul, and with the marks of 
regeneration ; and, by frequent self-examina- 
tion, become so well acquainted with himself, 
that the first question is soon settled. But 
there is another question that claims his in- 
quiry, which he finds not to be so easy to 
determine. It is this: — Am I a growing 
Christian ? 

Some believers advance so sensibly in the 
divine life, that this too is a question easily 
determined. But how is it with me ? Am I 
making progress in the Christian life ? Let 
me inquire. A comparison of my attain- 
ments at different periods of time, may fur- 
nish evidence. When I look back upon the 
secret workings of my heart, do I find that I 
have gained victories over certain sins; for 



SELF-EXAMINATION. 1 55 

example, over pride, vanity, worldly-minded- 
ness, unbelief, self-righteousness ? Do I see 
more clearly my entire dependence on Jesus 
Christ for righteousness and strength? and do 
I depend more simply and entirely on him for 
every thing, willing to give him all the glory 
of my salvation 1 Am I more humble ? Do 
I grow in heavenly-mindedness, and in spirit- 
uality of mind ? What other corruptions of 
heart are mortified and subdued? Am I 
more devoted to God % Do I love his glory 
more ? Do I take a more lively interest in 
the prosperity of the Redeemer's cause; pray 
more for it, and do more for its advancement 
in the world 1 

By attending to such inquiries, and others 
of a similar kind, I may determine the second 
question. 

But there is another inquiry that ought to 
be instituted, in making preparation for a 
profitable communion season. It is my pri- 
vilege to approach my Lord and Saviour at 
his table, with humble and believing prayer 
for every thing I need. Let me, then, in- 
quire what sins too much prevail, and in 
what graces I am most deficient; that I may 
beseech him to mortify and subdue the one, 



156 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

and increase and strengthen the other. What 
are those sins? Does pride, or vanity, or 
ambition, or carnality, or lust, or worldliness, 
or unbelief, afflict my soul ? Let me lament 
them, whatever they may be, before my Re- 
deemer, and beseech him to crucify them on 
his cross. In what graces am I deficient? 
Is it humility, or faith, or heavenly-minded- 
ness, or freedom in speaking on religious 
subjects, or spirituality of mind, or qualifica- 
tions for my particular work ? 

What is my situation in life? What rela- 
tions claim an interest in my prayers ? My 
wife, my husband, my parents, my children, 
my brothers, my sisters — what do they 
need ? Let me inquire, that I may remem- 
ber them, at the table, and present their cases 
before my gracious Redeemer. 

PRAYER. 

Accept, my God, my thanks for any as- 
sistance afforded to me in conducting the ex- 
amination of myself. May the result to which 
I have come meet with thy approbation. I 
pray that the evidences of my being in a 
gracious state may increase in strength, and 



RECOLLECTION OF SIN. 157 

the evidence of my growth in grace become 
clearer and more satisfying. Graciously 
grant that I may be led to a more intimate 
acquaintance with myself; that, knowing my 
wants and necessities, I may present to thee 
suitable prayers. I ask in the name of Christ. 
Amen. 



MEDITATION XVIII. 

PENITENT RECOLLECTION OF SIN SELF-DEDI- 
CATION. 

"And you hath he quickened, who were 
dead in trespasses and sins; and were by 
nature children of wrath, even as others." 
Ephes. ii. 1, 3. Such is the language of an 
inspired apostle. Believing it to be inspired, 
I cannot avoid the belief that I was born in a 
state of sin and guilt; that my nature was 
depraved ; and that, coming into existence in 
such a state, and with such a nature, I was, 
from the commencement of my being, under 
condemnation. 

The truth of this apostolic statement, has 
been confirmed by my whole life. How 
14 



158 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

early did the sinful bias of my nature begin 
to appear ! Surely, if my nature had been 
pure and inclined to good, impatience, self- 
will, and selfishness, would not have so soon 
marred the innocence of my childhood. The 
impure fountain could not but discover its 
impurity. The root of bitterness within of 
course brought forth corresponding and evil 
fruit. 

Youth succeeded childhood, and gave 
clearer evidences of my sinful nature. Pride, 
ambition, hatred, and revenge, presented 
mournful proofs, that I was a fallen creature. 
As I advanced in years, sin grew with my 
growth, and strengthened with my strength. 
Evil habits became confirmed, and the do- 
minion of wicked passion established. In- 
stead of following the pious in the strait 
and narrow path of duty and life, I preferred 
going with the multitude in the broad road 
of sin and destruction. God was not in all 
my thoughts. His all-searching eye was 
disregarded; and, if I could only hide myself 
from my fellow creatures, I imagined I might 
practice evil without detection. Thus I lived 
without God. I could lie down at night, 
without committing myself to the care and 



RECOLLECTION OF SIN. 159 

protection of his gracious providence, during 
the silent watches of the night; and rise up 
from my bed in the morning, without thank- 
ing him for my preservation from harm and 
evil, during the defenceless state of sleep, and 
without invoking his blessing on the business 
of the day. What ingratitude, and thought- 
lessness, and folly! 

How sadly did I neglect and abuse the 
privileges vouchsafed to me ! The Bible 
was put into my hands, but I laid it aside ; 
and, instead of reading and studying it, to 
form an acquaintance with its wonderful con- 
tents, I preferred other books, and sometimes 
books productive of evil impressions. The 
Sabbath came; but I heeded not its sacred 
import and design, and suffered its precious 
hours to pass away without improving them, 
by performing their appropriate duties. And 
how many of them were desecrated, by doing 
what was unlawful to be done on God's holy 
day ! I went to his house, but my heart was 
not prepared for its solemn worship. How 
inattentive to the word preached! Where 
were my eyes and my thoughts'? How 
wandering and irreverent ! How often did I 
dare to indulge a sleepy humour in the sane- 



160 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS* 

tuary! And when I rose up to pray, how 
did I insult infinite Majesty, by turning as it 
were my back to Him, and worshipping 
some creature ; or even presenting myself as 
an object of worship ! Why was I not con- 
sumed for my impiety, as were the sons of 
Aaron, when they offered strange fire before 
the Lord! Lev. x. 1, 2. Amazing forbear- 
ance of my God ! 

How innumerable have been my sins! 
Every day, and hour, and minute have I 
offended. The want of love to God was one 
continued sin, staining with guilt every mo- 
ment of my life. A creature in a state of 
enmity with his Creator, how horrible! 

In the review of my life I can call to mind 
particular and great sins, for which I ought 
especially to humble myself before God. 
There, at that early day, I committed an act 
which I knew to be wrong, and which I 
was careful to conceal from human eyes. 

Then , and then . [This may be 

filled up by the reader for himself.] At such 
a time I was bent on the commission of a 
great sin; and although held back by a dis- 
tinct warning of conscience not to persist in 
my purpose, yet I did persist, and should 

v. 



RECOLLECTION OF SIN. 161 

have accomplished it, had not God interposed 
by his providence, and mercifully saved me 
from contracting such aggravated guilt. O ! 
how often have I sinned against the strivings 
of the Holy Spirit ! 

How criminal has been my life! How 
many years did I live without God, without 
a saving interest in Christ, and without hope 
in the world ! And all the time I was be- 
coming more and more depraved, more en- 
slaved to the world and Satan, and more 
averse to God and holiness. Had not God 
restrained me by his providence and grace; 
had he left me to the impulse of my native 
and contracted depravity; to what lengths of 
iniquity might I not have gone ! Impelled 
by evil desires and wicked passions, I might, 
in the frenzy of sin, have perpetrated an of- 
fence, that would have clouded my reputation, 
and embittered all my days ! Thanks to God 
for laying restraints on my evil desires and 
wicked passions. 

Now, for all the sins I have committed, 
attended with such aggravating circum- 
stances, and the great guilt I have contracted, 
I acknowledge that I deserve to die; and if, 
at any time before the exercise of repentance 
14* 



162 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

and faith, I had been removed from the 
world, with my sins unpardoned, I must have 
gone down to eternal perdition. 

"But thanks be to God, who, for his great 
love wherewith he loved me, even when I 
was dead in sins, hath quickened me to- 
gether with Christ, and saved me by his 
grace." Ephes. ii. 4, 5. And now, pardoned 
by the blood of my Saviour, and justified by 
his righteousness, I feel that I am accepted of 
God, and blessed with hope ; as really and 
fully as if, in my own person, I had satisfied 
his justice for my sins, and fulfilled all the 
righteous demands of his holy law. 

Alas! this is not all that I have to confess. 
True, since my conversion, by divine grace, 
sin has not reigned over me, as it did for- 
merly. Its dominion has been broken, so 
that I am enabled to serve my gracious Lord 
and Redeemer, with a sincere obedience. 
Yet how feeble my exertions and imperfect 
my obedience ! How imperfectly is my na- 
ture sanctified, and how strong still are the 
remains of sin within me ! Well may I ex- 
claim with the holy apostle, "O wretched 
man that I am, who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death !" Rom. vii. 24. How 



RECOLLECTION OF SIN. 263 

languid has been my love, how feeble my 
zeal, how sluggish my exertions in the service 
of my divine Master ! Ah! had I been more 
sanctified, how much more should I have 
done to honour him ! what opportunities for 
doing good that passed away, would have 
been improved! how would my light have 
shined forth to God's glory! and what ad- 
vances in the divine life should I have made! 
I blush in the review of my Christian life. It 
becomes me to fall down before God in the 
dust, and beseech him to forgive my short- 
comings in duty; the coldness of my love, the 
languor of my zeal, the feebleness of my ex- 
ertions, and my many sins; and to quicken 
me by his Spirit, to cause me to grow rapidly 
in grace, to inspire me with warmer love and 
zeal, and to enable me to bring forth more 
fruit to his glory. 

To these penitent recollections of past sins, 
is to be added the renewal of my covenant 
engagements. By the sacred elements in the 
Lord's supper a covenant is to be sealed; 
and, therefore, as I have already entered into 
covenant with my God, the Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, it will be proper to recollect 
this solemn transaction, and to renew it, be- 



164 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

fore I approach the sacred table, that I may- 
be prepared to renew it there, and ratify it 
with the appointed seals. 

PRAYER. 

thou holy God, in the review of my life 
I feel ashamed before thee. Behold, I was 
conceived in sin, and brought forth in ini- 
quity. Psal. li. 5. Depraved by nature, I 
was born a child of wrath. Ephes. ii. 3. 
How early was this depravity indicated in 
my childhood, and what clearer evidence of 
the mournful truth appeared in my youth! 
All the workings of sin in my heart, during 
those early periods of life, were distinctly 
seen by thy omniscient eye. And, alas ! how 
did I wander from thee and the path of duty, 
as I advanced in age ! Instead of loving thee 
with all my heart, and delighting in doing 
thy will, my heart was in a state of enmity 
with thee, my Creator, Preserver, and Bene- 
factor ; and, under the promptings of a heart 
so wicked, I was living in rebellion against 
thy sovereign authority, and openly violating 
thy holy and reasonable commandments. 
How innumerable have been my transgres- 



PRAYER. 165 

sions ! How many years I lived in this un- 
natural and wicked way! How my guilt 
was accumulating, and to what awful danger 
I was exposing myself! 

Merciful God, I thank thee for thy patience 
and forbearance. I bless thee for the re- 
straints of thy providence and grace, that 
kept me back from the commission of those 
great sins, to which my depraved nature 
prompted me. And I magnify the riches of 
thy mercy, by which, notwithstanding all my 
guilt and increasing depravity — notwithstand- 
ing my neglect of thy word and of prayer, 
and my inattention to thy preached gospel* 
and shameful behaviour in thy house, thou 
wast pleased to lead me to repentance and 
faith, by the gracious influences of thy Spirit, 
to forgive all my sins, to justify me freely 
through the righteousness of thy Son, and to 
adopt me, once a wandering prodigal, into 
thy family, as a child and heir of a heavenly 
kingdom. O ! amazing riches of grace ! How 
can I praise thee, O my God, enough for all 
that thou hast done for me, a worthless sin- 
ner? Here, take my heart, and make it 
wholly thine. Reign in and over me for 
ever; and bind my heart to thyself in the 



166 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

most fervent love. All this I ask in the name 
of Christ. Amen. 



SELF-DEDICATION. 

And now, blessed God, admiring thine in- 
finite condescension, and sensible of my great 
unworthiness, I come, invited by thee, to 
renew that covenant, in which I have taken 
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be my 
God and portion for ever; and in which I 
have given myself to thee, as thy rightful 
property, to be thy obedient servant and 
loving child, for ever and ever. I engage in 
this wonderful transaction, relying on thy 
grace to help me to fulfil my engagements. 
Grant me, O my God and Father, the aids of 
thy Spirit, that I may be faithful to my 
covenant engagements, until death. And to 
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be eternal 
praise and glory. Amen. 



THE SABBATH MORNING. 167 



MEDITATION XIX. 

THE SABBATH MORNING. 

The morning of the Sabbath has come ; the 
blessed day on which, in addition to the 
usual religious services, I am to take my seat 
at the table of my Lord and Saviour; to hold 
communion with him, and his chosen people, 
by feeding on that spiritual and heavenly 
repast, which he has provided at so great a 
price. What a privilege ! what an honour ! 

Am I prepared for the feast 1 It has been 
my endeavour to make the required prepara- 
tion, by attending to the prescribed duties. 
Regarding the supper as an institution of the 
Lord, I design to partake of it in obedience 
to his will. 

In conformity to its end, I have remem- 
bered my Redeemer. Standing at the foot of 
his cross, I have contemplated the amazing 
sacrifice offered on it, for the sins of a lost 
world; and, in its light, beheld the truths 
that radiate from this great centre of the 
divine system, and of the divine dispensa- 
tions. The lamentable cause of this astonish- 



168 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

ing spectacle, exhibited to the universe, has 
passed in review; the apostasy, ruin, and 
helplessness of our race. I have contem- 
plated the bright display of God's perfections, 
his justice, his wisdom, and his love, beaming 
from the cross. 

The infinite and complex person of the 
Redeemer, embracing both his human and 
divine nature ; so wonderfully adapted to the 
great work, which no man, nor angel could 
accomplish, but which he achieved, I have 
devoutly considered. I have thought of his 
infinite condescension, in accepting the office 
of Mediator between God, the offended Sove- 
reign, and man, his rebellious creature, and 
in anticipating so joyfully the accomplish- 
ment of it in the appointed time. I have 
thought too, of his profound humiliation, in 
making himself of no reputation, by taking 
upon him the form of a servant, and being 
made in the likeness, not of an archangel, 
but of men: and, in the fashion of a man, 
humbling himself, so as to become obedient 
to the law, not only in its preceptive, but 
penal claims, and suffering even unto death, 
and, that the most agonizing and disgraceful, 
the death of the cross. 



THE SABBATH MORNING. 169 

The purity and perfection of his human 
nature ; his holy and spotless life, beaming 
with love to God and love to man; accord- 
ant with all the requirements of the divine 
law, and presenting a finished and faultless 
example to all believers, have been reviewed. 

I have dwelt on the sufferings of my Lord, 
beginning with his birth and terminating only 
with his life ; — on their variety, arising from 
the opposition and malice of so many bitter 
enemies; — on their severity, in the manner of 
his death; — and on their unutterable and over- 
whelming nature, produced by God's wrath 
against sin; in the garden of Gethsemane, 
where no human hand was seen to afflict 
him; and on the cross, during the three hours 
of preternatural darkness. 

I have considered the dreadful, degrading, 
and destructive evil of sin; manifested in the 
insult it offers to the infinite Majesty of God, 
in the violation of his most excellent law; so 
sadly apparent in the history of man, for- 
saking the worship of God, giving himself up 
to the vilest idolatry, and debasing himself 
by unnatural and beastly crimes ; and espe- 
cially manifested in the sufferings and death 
of God's own and well beloved Son. 
15 



170 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

The reality and certainty of the resurrec- 
tion of my blessed Lord, I have contemplated 
with joy, as demonstrating his divine charac- 
ter, and proving, with the broad seal of 
heaven, the perfection of his work: and, with 
his wondering apostles, I have gazed at him, 
ascending into heaven; attended with a 
bright retinue of angels, passing by worlds 
and systems, with amazing speed, to the 
highest heavens, and there welcomed to his 
reward, as the conqueror of sin, and death, 
and hell. 

I have beheld him taking his seat at the 
right hand of God; invested with universal 
dominion over all worlds; appointed Head 
over all things to his church; and worship- 
ped by all the hosts of heaven as their Su- 
preme Lord. I rejoice in his reign. 

I have contemplated him as the great High- 
priest of the church, as our forerunner and 
advocate; as ever living to intercede with the 
Father for his people ; that all the blessings 
of this life, and of the life to come, purchased 
by his death, may be secured to them. 

Regarding my Redeemer as the appointed 
judge both of quick and dead, I have antici- 
pated his second coming to judge the world 



THE SABBATH MORNING. 171 

in righteousness, and to consummate the 
salvation of his redeemed people. 

On the wonderful love of Christ, so free 
and sovereign, so costly and rich, I have 
meditated, and seen how it was the spring of 
all that he did and suffered for his people. 
It was love that moved him to become our 
Redeemer; love brought him down from 
heaven to earth; love carried him through 
a life of poverty and sorrow, affliction and 
suffering; and love sustained him in the 
agony of the garden, and under the over- 
whelming horrors of the three last hours on 
the cross. And when he arose from the 
dead, the same flame of love was burning in 
his heart. It ascended with him to heaven; 
and there it burns in his bosom, and will 
burn for ever. 

To prepare for a profitable communion 
season, I have inquired into my right to a 
seat at the sacred table, by examining my 
claims to the Christian character, my progress 
in the divine life, and what sins I have to 
lament before my Lord, and what blessings I 
ought to seek from his bounty. 

I have also endeavoured penitently to re- 
collect and confess the sins of my life, to 



172 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

humble myself before God, and to implore his 
forgiveness. And, moreover, I have renewed 
that covenant with the Sacred Three, w r hich 
is to be sealed at the Lord's table. 

Thus having endeavoured to make due 
preparation for the table of my Lord, I may, 
I trust, approach to it, with holy boldness 
and believing confidence. In obedience to 
his command, I am going to a feast prepared 
by his love; where he is to feast me with his 
broken body and shed blood. There he will 
put symbollically into rny hands the price he 
paid for my eternal redemption. With this 
price in my hands, while feeding on his body 
broken for me, and his blood shed for me, 
with what confidence may I implore God to 
forgive all my sins, and to bestow on me 
whatever blessings I need ! Away, unbelief! 
Let me approach to the sacred table with 
confident faith; and beseech my Lord to in- 
crease my faith, to inflame my love, to enkin- 
dle my zeal, to augment my strength; to 
make me more heavenly and spiritually- 
minded, and in all respects a more exemplary 
disciple. He has infinite fulness to impart. 
We are not straitened in him, but in our- 
selves. O ! for a warmer heart, for more ex- 



PRAYER. 173 

panded desires, for greater hungering and 
thirsting after righteousness, that I may be 
filled. His inviting language is, "Eat, O 
friends ; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O be- 
loved." Song v. 1. " Open thy mouth wide, 
and I will fill it." Psal. lxxxi. 10. John 
xv. 7. 

PRAYER. 

My God, and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, I have, by meditation and prayer, 
endeavoured to make preparation for a seat 
at the table of my Redeemer. I have re- 
membered him, by contemplating his original 
dignity, by considering his infinite condescen- 
sion and profound humiliation, his holy life, 
his bitter and overwhelming sufferings, and 
his shameful death. I have beheld him 
rising from the dead, ascending into heaven, 
seating himself at thy right hand, and coming 
to judge the world, and finish the salvation 
of his people. I have dwelt on his amazing 
love, and its wonderful results. O ! pardon, 
gracious God, the coldness of my heart in 
meditating on these great and interesting 
truths. Let them ever dwell in my memory, 
15* 



174 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

so as to warm my heart, enkindle my love, 
and bind me to my Maker's service. 

I have endeavoured, Lord, to examine 
myself agreeably to the direction of the in- 
stitution, and to renew my covenant with my 
God; and I humbly hope, that the result of 
my inquiries is in accordance with truth, that 
I am in a gracious state, and entitled, through 
mercy, to a seat at the holy table. O ! that 
my evidences were brighter, so that I might 
rejoice in assured hope. 

But, with all my defects, may I not, blessed 
God, come with boldness to the holy supper, 
and expect to meet my Saviour, and hold 
communion with him? Assist me, by thy 
grace; strengthen my faith; compose my 
mind; and enable me to perform the appro- 
priate duties, when I shall occupy my seat, 
and partake of the heavenly banquet. Mer- 
ciful God, I beseech thee to hear my prayer, 
forgive my sins, give enlargement to my de- 
sires and expectations, and vouchsafe to me 
and to my fellow communicants, a profitable 
and delightful communion season. Hear 
me, O God, I entreat thee, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



AT THE TABLE. 175 



MEDITATION XX. 

AT THE TABLE. 

Here I am, seated at this sacred table, to 
hold communion with my fellow disciples, 
and with my Lord and Saviour! What a 
privilege ! What an honour ! How thankful 
should I be for the grace I have received ! 

I am indeed unworthy of the place I oc- 
cupy. But my Redeemer bade me come, 
and take my seat at this heavenly banquet; 
and, in obedience to his command, I have 
come to feed upon the bread, and receive the 
water of life. May he grant to me and my 
fellow communicants his gracious presence ! 
May he unveil to us his fulness and glory ! 
May we sit under his shadow with great 
delight, and find his fruit pleasant to our 
taste ! May our views be enlightened, and 
our exercises sweet, affectionate and heaven- 
ly ! May we be assisted by the Holy Spirit, 
in the great duty of remembering our blessed 
Redeemer, and of renewing our covenant 
engagements. 



176 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

THE BREAD GIVEN. 

I take this bread, O my Saviour, as thy 
.body broken for me; I eat it, as thou hast 
commanded, in expectation that, by feeding 
upon it, my soul shall be nourished to eternal 
life ; just as my body is sustained and nour- 
ished by the common bread on which I daily 
feed. Thy blessing makes common bread 
effectual, in imparting life and strength to my 
body ; and thy blessing can cause this heavenly 
bread to impart spiritual life to my soul. 
Grant, then, thy gracious blessing; and make 
this a communion season indeed. Awaken 
my desires, increase my faith, and enlarge 
my expectations. 

" Do this in remembrance of me," is thy 
injunction. I will remember thee, my Re- 
deemer. Thy original dignity, as the Son of 
God, the great I am, the true and living God, 
the second person in the glorious Trinity, I 
call to mind; and how, in infinite condescen- 
sion, thou wast pleased from all eternity to 
assume the office of Mediator, between of- 
fended Majesty and his rebellious creatures : 
and with what delight thou didst anticipate, 
in the revolution of ages, to undertake and 



THE BREAD GIVEN. 177 

accomplish the mighty work of our redemp- 
tion. I behold thee emptying thyself, and 
laying aside the robes of majesty, assuming 
the form of a servant, and taking upon 
thyself the likeness of man; and, being 
found in the fashion of a man, humbling thy- 
self, and becoming obedient unto death, even 
the death of the cross. 

I look at thy pure, and holy, and heavenly 
life. I see thee imparting instruction to thy 
disciples and the people; refuting the false 
interpretations of the Scribes and Pharisees, 
and rebuking those unfaithful teachers, who 
were causing the people to err. I behold 
thee going about doing good, working most 
beneficent miracles, healing all manner of 
diseases; giving eyes to the blind, ears to the 
deaf, feet to the lame, tongues to the dumb, 
and raising the dead; and refusing aid to 
none who sought it in faith. I see that holy, 
perfect, and finished example of love to God 
and benevolence to man, which thou didst 
set, and leave for the imitation of thy fol- 
lowers, till the end of the world. 

And, O my Saviour, I think of thy suffer- 
ings, commencing with thy birth, and ending 
only with thy life; of thy poverty and humi- 



178 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

lity, of the opposition to thy ministry by per- 
verse men, and thy rejection by the priests 
and rulers; how thou wast • slandered and 
reviled, stigmatized as a deceiver, as a wine- 
bibber and a glutton, a friend of publicans 
and sinners, as a deceiver, a blasphemer, and 
as stirring up sedition. I see thee betrayed 
with the kiss of a traitorous disciple, seized, 
bound, and rudely led by soldiers to the 
palace of the high-priest, and there arraigned 
before the council, insulted, derided, con- 
demned to death, smitten with the palms of 
their hands, and spit upon, and buffeted; and 
denied by Peter, who a little before had pro- 
fessed inviolable attachment and fidelity ! I 
behold thee at Pilate's bar, accused by the 
chief priests and elders, the multitude stirred 
up to demand thy death, and to prefer to 
thee a robber and a murderer! I hear the 
sentence of condemnation passed upon thee 
by the Roman governor, who had previously 
attested thy innocence. Thou art scourged, 
and then delivered to be crucified. The 
whole band of soldiers are gathered together 
in the common hall to afflict, deride, and 
torment thee ! Thou art stripped of thy gar- 
ments, and covered with a scarlet robe ; and, 



THE BREAD GIVEN. 179 

being crowned with thorns, with a reed put 
in thy hand, thou art mocked as the king of 
the Jews ! They spit upon thee, and with the 
reed taken from thy hand, they smite thee on 
the head ! 

Having gratified so far their cruel and 
malignant desires, and put on thy own rai- 
ment, they lead thee to Mount Calvary for 
crucifixion. 

There what do I see? My Lord and 
Master, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
nailed to the accursed wood, and then lifted 
up on the cross, and crucified between two 
thieves, with the utmost ignominy. They 
that pass by revile thee, wagging their heads; 
the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, 
mock thee ! Thy companions in suffering 
join in deriding thee ! 

Painful and agonizing as were these suf- 
ferings, what were they, O my Redeemer, 
compared with what thou didst endure in the 
garden, when thou didst sweat great drops of 
blood, falling to the ground; and during the 
three hours of preternatural darkness on the 
cross, when thy heart was poured out like 
water, under the hidings of thy Father's face, 
and the consuming fires of divine justice, ex- 



180 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

acting from thee the punishment due to the 
sins of the world ! My soul is overwhelmed 
with the amazing scene ; I am lost in the im- 
mensity of thy sufferings ! 

Thus, I remember thee, my Lord and 
Saviour; suffering for my sins, dying that I 
might live, put to shame that I might be glori- 
fied ! O ! amazing love ! How hateful now 
my sins, when seen in the light of the cross ! 
I mourn, I grieve, I beg forgiveness. I re- 
nounce my sins. Here, my Lord, I would 
crucify them on thy cross. Slay them, I 
beseech thee; purify me from all iniquity, 
and make me holy, like thyself. 

THE CUP GIVEN. 

Of the cup, which has now been given to 
me, thou, my Saviour, hast said, " This cup 
is the new testament in my blood." I 
receive it as such; sealing to me the new 
testament or covenant, which was sealed, 
confirmed by the shedding of thy blood on 
the cross. Here, therefore, at thy table, I 
renew my covenant with my God. I take 
God, the Father, to be my father and recon- 
ciled friend ; God, the Son, to be my Lord 



THE CUP GIVEN. 181 

and Saviour, my prophet, priest, and king ; 
God, the Holy Ghost, to dwell in my heart, 
as a fountain of spiritual light and sanctifica- 
tion: this Triune God to be my God and 
portion, for ever. And I surrender myself 
up to God to be his servant, his disciple and 
follower, and his affectionate child ; always 
obedient to his will, yielding to the intima- 
tions of his will, and the influences of his 
Spirit. And by these symbols, appointed 
for the purpose, I seal my engagements to be 
the Lord's. 

Of the bread, thou, my Lord, hast said : — 
" This is my body which is broken for you ;" 
(1 Cor. xi. 24;) and of the cup, " This is my 
blood, of the new testament, which is shed 
for many for the remission of sins." Matt. 
xxvi. 28. By faith I take the bread as thy 
body broken for me; and the cup as thy 
blood shed for the remission of my sins. By 
these consecrated symbols thou art assuring 
me, that I have an interest in all thy suffer- 
ings, and in thy precious blood of atonement. 
I accept the all gracious offer, the great sal- 
vation which thou hast purchased for me ; 
and I regard these elements as outward signs 
and seals to me, that I shall, in due time, be 
16 



182 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

put in full possession of all its inestimable 
and eternal blessings. 

And now, blessed God, having renewed the 
covenant, and having received the price of 
eternal redemption, I feel emboldened to con- 
fess my sins, to implore forgiveness, and all 
the blessings I need. 

I confess my original guilt and depravity, 
the numberless sins of my life, and my re- 
maining imperfections, and humble myself 
before thee, my God, on account of them. I 
lament my pride, ambition, and worldly- 
mindedness. [Here let each one fill up the 

list for himself.! 

_» 

Forgive, I beseech thee, for Christ's sake, 
who shed his blood for me, all these sins. 
Blot them all out from the book of thy re- 
membrance, and let them not rise up in judg- 
ment against me. 

And I beseech thee to grant me more 
grace, and to sanctify my whole nature. 
Clothe me with humility; make me heavenly- 
minded; inflame my love; enkindle my zeal; 
impart to me that wisdom which is profitable 
to direct; render me more exemplary in the 
discharge of every duty; keep me near to 
thyself, and let me live in sweet and holy 



THE CUP GIVEN. 183 

communion with thee. [Here let each offer 
the petitions suited to his own case.] 

Blessed God, I embrace this precious op- 
portunity for praying for my dear companion, 
my parents, my children, my relatives. [Here 
each may particularize so as to suit his own 
case.] 

Nor would I forget the church of which I 
am a member. Bless our pastor, furnish 
him to his work. Quicken and animate all 
its members. Render them more devout, 
more active, and zealous in thy cause. Oh! 
for a time of revival, — an effusion of thy 
Spirit upon us, that all may share in the 
heavenly influence, and that sinners may be 
converted in numbers, and thy great name 
may be glorified. 

Bless the whole church with new life and 
love, with increasing zeal, activity, and use- 
fulness. Revive religion every where. Let 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on 
earth, and the world be filled with thy glory. 
Reign, blessed Jesus, over all nations; and 
let Jew and Gentile be gathered into thy 
church, and thy millennian glory be seen in 
all the earth. Amen and Amen. 

Thou, my Lord and Saviour, art risen 



184 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

from the dead; thou hast ascended into 
heaven; thou art seated on the throne of 
God; thou hast universal power; thou ever 
livest to make intercession for thy people; 
thou wilt come to judge the world in right- 
eousness, and to complete the salvation of thy 
church. These glorious truths I rejoice to 
remember; and by calling them to mind, I 
am assured that thou canst do for me ex- 
ceeding abundantly above all that I can ask, 
desire, or conceive. Amen. 



MEDITATION XXI. 

AFTER RETURNING FROM THE COMMUNION. 

I have returned from the supper of my Lord 
and Saviour; I have again been at the ban-^ 
quet he prepares for his disciples. What 
has been the result ? Were my views clear 
and satisfactory? my exercises pleasant! 
Was I enabled to receive the sacred symbols 
in faith, and to use them for their appropriate 
purposes? 



RETURNING FROM THE COMMUNION. 185 

Did I remember my Redeemer with affec- 
tionate feelings ; calling to mind his original 
dignity, his infinite condescension, his pro- 
found humiliation, his holy life, his bitter 
sufferings, and shameful death? Especially 
did I think of the unutterable agonies he en- 
dured in Gethsemane, and on the cross, when 
his Father hid his face from him, while a 
preternatural darkness covered the earth? 
Did my sins then, in the light of the cross, 
appear great and hateful ? and did I wish to 
crucify them, that they might die ? Did the 
Saviour's love appear great and attractive? 

And, when I received the cup, did I renew 
my covenant, and seal it with the sacred 
symbols ? 

Had I freedom in confessing my sins, and 
in presenting supplications for myself and 
others ? 

Was the communion sweet and pleasant 
to my soul? and have I reason to hope, 
that my attendance on the ordinance was 
acceptable to my Lord ? May I look for a 
blessing from my participation of the heavenly 
feast ? 

If I can render an affirmative answer to 
these questions, I may well bless and mag- 
16* 



186 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

nify the Lord for his distinguishing grace and 
love. 

But if my views and exercises were not as 
I could wish they had been; if I did not en- 
joy the presence of my Redeemer, as I wish- 
ed : yet, if my preparation for the ordinance 
was carefully and duly made, I may console 
myself with the reflection, that my Saviour is 
not confined in his favours to any particular 
hour; and that he may yet manifest himself 
to my soul, and cause me to experience the 
profit of waiting on him in his appointed 
ordinance. Let me, then, look for his bless- 
ing, and the gracious and consoling influence 
of his Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER. 

The Lord be pleased to accept of my 
desires and endeavours. Pardon whatever 
was faulty, and graciously add thy blessing 
to my attempts to serve and honour thee in 
thy appointed ordinance, before my fellow- 
men. And to thy name be all the glory. 
Amen. 



THANKSGIVING. 187 



MEDITATION XXII. 

THANKSGIVING. 

This evening it becomes me gratefully to 
remember the favours and mercies I have re- 
ceived from the hands of my God. This day 
I have been distinguished, by the great privi- 
lege of occupying a seat, with the children 
of the Most High, at the table of our Lord 
and Redeemer; and the enjoyment of so sig- 
nal a blessing, may well lead me to review 
the numberless favours that have been con- 
ferred on me. 

So many years ago, I had no existence. 
The sun was rising and setting; the affairs of 
men were moving on, and living creatures 
were rejoicing in the goodness of God; but I 
had no being, no senses, no capacity, either 
to behold the light of day, or to participate in 
the movements of men, or to enjoy the bless- 
ings of a kind providence. The time fixed 
in the purpose of the Creator came, and I 
received an existence that made me a rational 
and immortal being, raised in the scale of 



188 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

creation far above all the classes of inferior 
creatures that inhabit the earth. Guarded 
by a kind and watchful Providence, I have 
been carried safely through the periods of 
infancy and childhood, of youth and mature 
age, and continue to enjoy my existence to 
the present time. I have been sick, but the 
Lord healed me. I was often exposed to 
danger, but he delivered me. "From the 
pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the 
destruction that wasteth at noon-day," I have 
been shielded. A thousand have fallen on 
my right hand, and ten thousands around 
me; but I have been protected against the 
strokes of death. Such favours demand my 
gratitude. 

The care, the affection, and watchfulness 
of my parents, the means of education, in- 
structors provided for assisting me, and a 
disposition to avail myself of these favourable 
circumstances for the culture of my mind, 
and the acquisition of useful knowledge, claim 
a grateful remembrance. 

In due time, it pleased the wise and bene- 
volent Founder of human families, who, at 
the beginning, said, * It is not good that the 
man should be alone; I will make him an 






THANKSGIVING. 189 

help-meet for him," to furnish me with a com- 
panion, to share in my sorrows and trials, 
and to partake of my pleasures and enjoy- 
ments. To this hour we have been kindly 
preserved in the marriage relation; and 
having lived together for a number of years, 
we behold ourselves surrounded, in the good 
providence of our God, by a flock of children, 
on whom to bestow our affection and care, 
and to train up in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord. They # and we have been con- 
tinued in the enjoyment of life; and have been 
constantly supplied with a sufficiency to meet 
our daily wants; with food and raiment, a 
habitation in which to dwell day and night, 
and fuel to protect us against the severity of 
wintry cold. What causes of gratitude are 
here, and how often and thankfully should I 
call them to mind, that I may not forget the 
loving-kindness of the Lord. 

But there are richer blessings than these, 
that call for grateful recollection. The re- 
straints of Divine providence and grace, that 
held me back from those depths of iniquity, 
to which my native depravity impelled me ; 
the patience and forbearance exercised to- 
wards me, while I was living in thoughtless 



190 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

forgetfulness of my Creator and Benefactor, 
and indulging my perverse inclinations and 
sinful propensities, and thus swelling the 
awful amount of my guilt, and urging on my 
course in the broad way that leadeth to de- 
struction, should never be forgotten. Ah! 
had it pleased God to cut me off at any time 
in my mad career, how hopeless had been my 
case, and how multiplied my sorrows ! Hell 
would have been my wretched abode ! Bless- 
ed be his sparing mercy that prolonged my 
sinful life, that I might share in his great sal- 
vation ! 

The appointed hour came, and my guilty 
soul was visited with renewing and saving 
grace. The light of the Holy Spirit was let 
into my darkened mind. I became awakened 
to a sense of the importance of religion. My 
numerous and aggravated sins were brought 
to view. I saw my guilt, and trembled. 

"What shall I do to be saved?' was my 
earnest inquiry. How shall I escape deserved 
punishment ? Like other sinners in their ig- 
norance, I had recourse to my prayers, to my 
resolutions and reformation. But they were 
unavailing; the disease was too deep and ra- 
dical to be removed by such inefficient pre- 



THANKSGIVING. 191 

scriptions. I found no relief; my disease 
became more aggravated, and my danger 
greater and more alarming. Hope fled ; de- 
spair approached. But, in this extremity, 
when experience had taught me my own 
weakness and helplessness, and how vain it 
was to depend upon my own exertions and 
resolutions, my Deliverer appeared. The 
Holy Spirit shined on the word, and in my 
mind. I discovered the plan of free salvation ; 
I saw my Saviour, his atoning blood, and 
justifying righteousness; and receiving re- 
newing grace, I was enabled to believe in 
him, and to rely on his merits and interces- 
sion for acceptance with God and for eternal 
life. Justified freely by grace, my sins were 
all forgiven, and I could rejoice in God. 

What a change ! I was an enemy to God, 
but now I am his friend; condemned, but 
now pardoned ; a child of the devil, but now 
a child of God; an heir of hell, but now an 
heir of heaven; posting on in the road to 
ruin, but now walking in the path that leads 
to everlasting happiness. Amazing change, 
produced by the quickening and renewing 
grace of the Holy Spirit ! To God be all the 
glory. I deserve no part of the praise. Had 



192 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

I been left to myself, I should have remained 
in all the guilt and misery of my natural 
state, and gone on from bad to worse, and, 
from day to day, treasured up to myself 
wrath against the day of wrath, and revela- 
tion of the righteous judgment of God. Oh! 
what gratitude I owe to the Father, to the 
Son, and to the Holy Ghost, for what has 
been done for me by his free and sovereign 
grace; and for making me to differ so much 
from those of my fellow-creatures who are 
left to themselves, and do not participate in 
these inestimable blessings! All glory to 
God! 

Nor is this all that I have to recall to mind 
of the distinguishing grace and loving-kind- 
ness of God to me, unworthy sinner that I 
am. By his grace I have been preserved in 
that blessed state of acceptance and friend- 
ship with him, into which I have been in- 
troduced, by faith in his Son, our Mediator. 
Hitherto he has kept me from falling into a 
state of condemnation; as it is written, 
" There is therefore now no condemnation to 
them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not 
after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 
viii. 1. If at any time, I have declined, or 



THANKSGIVING. 193 

backslidden in religion, he has graciously 
brought me back to his service, and revived 
me. 

And this day, I have been indulged with 
the privilege of partaking of that rich banquet, 
which the love of his Son has provided for 
his disciples, and of renewing with him "an 
everlasting covenant, ordered in all things 
and sure ; which is all my salvation and de- 
sire." 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. 

Such are the blessings, temporal and 
spiritual — so great — so various — so mani- 
fold- — so inestimable— which I have to record 
and remember this day, to the praise of my 
God. Oh ! for a grateful heart and tongue to 
praise the Lord ! 

THANKSGIVING. 

Great and Almighty God, how infinite thy 
goodness, and boundless thy mercy! When 
I review my life, and call to mind what thou 
hast done for me, what abundant reason do 
I see for adopting the language of David ! 
" Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is 
within me, bless his holy name. Bless the 
17 



194 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Lord, my soul, and forget not all his 
benefits." They commenced with my exist- 
ence; they have followed me through life, 
and have continued to visit me, until the 
present hour. They are innumerable and 
very great; fresh every morning and renewed 
every evening. 

For my existence, as a rational and im- 
mortal creature, and for my preservation 
through the dangers of infancy and child- 
hood, I praise thee, O my Creator and Pre- 
server. I bless thee for the restraints of thy 
providence and grace, by which I was kept 
from acting out the impulses of my depraved 
desires and wicked passions. For the exer- 
cise of thy patience and forbearance, by 
which the stroke of offended justice was held 
back, and my guilty soul was saved from de- 
served punishment, I magnify thy name. 
Daily have I been fed and clothed, while I 
was daily forgetful of that bountiful hand, 
which supplied all my recurring wants, spread 
my table with plenty, furnished me with rai- 
ment, and provided for me a comfortable 
dwelling. O bless the Lord, my soul. 

For my companion, and for my children, 



THANKSGIVING. 195 

and their preservation, I thank thee, O thou 
wise and beneficent Founder of families, and 
kind Benefactor of our race. 

O ! how kind thou hast been in regard to 
my spiritual interest! Thou didst put into 
my hand thy inspired word, supplied me 
with other means of grace, with the worship 
of thy house and the preaching of the gospel. 
And what shall I render unto thee, O thou 
gracious God, that notwithstanding my un- 
grateful and sinful neglect of these precious 
favours, thou wast pleased to call me out of 
darkness into marvelous light. I magnify 
thy name for the great and wonderful change 
thou hast wrought in my character and state. 
Hast thou not, O merciful God, renewed and 
sanctified my nature, and united me to the 
Saviour by a living faith? Hast thou not 
forgiven all my sins and justified me by faith 
in Christ? Have I not peace with thee! 
Hast thou not adopted me into thy family? 
Am I not thy child and an heir of heaven ? 
and may I not rejoice in hope of the glory of 
God? For these unutterable blessings, I 
praise and extol thy great name, O my cove- 
nant God, and Fountain of all good. For 
ever be thou glorified by me and all thy 



196 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

creatures. And now to the Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, be all praise, for ever and evei. 
Amen. 



MEDITATION XXIII. 

OBLIGATIONS ASSUMED. 

The Lord's supper is fitly called the Eu- 
charist, that is, thanksgiving. Well may 
we render thanks and praise, for the great 
privilege of commemorating the death of our 
Redeemer, and of accepting his purchased 
blessings, whenever we partake of this ordi- 
nance. But another duty of a different kind, 
though not at all inconsistent with the plea- 
sant one of thanksgiving and praise, is de 
manded. We are called upon to assume 
covenant obligations, by recognizing God's 
right over us, entering into covenant with 
him, and engaging to keep his command- 
ments, and to live to his glory. And is not 
this a privilege 1 Does it not claim my gra- 
titude and praise, that I am permitted to re- 
turn from my wanderings unto the Fountain 



OBLIGATIONS ASSUMED, 197 

of light, of holiness, and of happiness; to 
bind myself by solemn vows of obedience to 
my God, with the encouraging hope that he 
will, for the sake of his own Son, graciously 
accept of my covenant engagements, and 
afford me grace to enable me to fulfil them ? 

I have made, in the ordinance on which I 
have attended, a solemn recognition, that I 
am not my own, but belong to Jesus Christ, my 
Lord, and I have devoted myself to his service 
and glory. And what could be more reason- 
able and proper? Am I not his in every 
sense? Has he not in me the most unlimited 
property ? 

Whence did I derive my existence? Not 
from myself; nor from my parents, who were 
only the instruments of bringing me into the 
world. I owe my existence to Jesus Christ ; 
" for by him were all things created, that are 
in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and 
invisible, whether they be thrones, or do- 
minions, or principalities, or powers; all 
things were created by him, and for him." 
Col. i. 16. He gave me existence. He 
formed my body, curiously and wonderfully 
constructed, with its various senses, organs, 
and limbs. He gave me eyes to see, ears to 
17* 



198 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

hear, legs and feet to walk, arms and hands 
for their appropriate uses, a mouth to receive 
necessary food and drink, and a tongue to 
converse with my fellow creatures, and to 
speak his praise. He created my soul, and 
endowed it with all its intellectual and moral 
faculties. I am his, then, by right of crea- 
tion. 

By whom has my existence been pre- 
served? My parents watched carefully over 
me, during my infancy, childhood, and youth; 
and I have daily eaten the food necessary for 
the sustentation of my mortal frame, and put 
on raiment to protect my body against the 
cold. But vain had been my own care and 
that of my parents, had it not been for the 
preserving and protecting guardianship of my 
Redeemer. Had he willed it, food would 
have become nauseous, sickness seized my 
frame, medicine proved unavailing; the pul- 
sations of my heart, and the circulation of 
blood through my veins, would have ceased; 
my eyes would have been closed, and my ac- 
tive limbs become motionless, by the cold 
hand of death. Had he willed it, my exist- 
ence would have been lost, and my being re- 
turned to its original nothingness. " In Him 



OBLIGATIONS ASSUMED. 199 

we live, and move, and have our being." 
Acts xvii. 28. I am his by right of preserva- 
tion. 

And am I not his by innumerable blessings 
conferred on me? From infancy to the pre- 
sent hour, he has opened his hand, and sup- 
plied, by his rich bounty, my daily and re- 
turning wants. He has watched over me by 
day and by night, and saved me from dangers 
seen and unseen. He commanded the sun 
to rise and shine, that my eyes might see the 
light, and behold the beauties of nature; and 
to set, that I might gaze at the glories of the 
firmament above, and praise the Almighty 
Creator. He, by his wisdom, mingled to- 
gether, in due proportion, the elements that 
compose the atmosphere, to render it fit for 
human respiration, that I might inhale health, 
and not death. At his command the rain 
descends to fertilize the earth; the grass 
grows; the wheat, and the rye, and the 
various vegetables, on which we subsist; the 
trees bring forth their various and delightful 
fruits; and animals are multiplied to furnish 
men with food, and supply them with raiment 
to protect and adorn their bodies. In all 
these diversified operations of his wonder- 



200 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

working providence, I have largely par- 
taken; and my heart has been made glad by 
his rich and long continued bounties. And 
must I not feel constrained by gratitude, to 
acknowledge that I am his? 

To these common blessings of providence 
he has added more special blessings. He 
gave me birth in a Christian country, in a 
land of civil and religious liberty. He has 
put into my hand the Bible, containing a 
revelation from heaven, that I may read and 
study it, and understand the wonderful plan 
of salvation, devised by infinite wisdom. He 
has instituted the Sabbath, that I may enjoy 
the rest of one day in seven, and attend, 
without interruption by the ordinary cares 
and business of life, to the greater interests of 
religion. He has thrown open to me the 
doors of the sanctuary, that I may enter in, 
and worship with the great congregation. 
He has given me access to the throne of 
grace, and bidden me come boldly in his 
name, that I may obtain every needed bless- 
ing. He has opened the way into the holiest 
of all, and permitted me to approach and con- 
verse with infinite Majesty. He has imparted 
to me the Holy Spirit, as a teacher, advo- 



OBLIGATIONS ASSUMED. 201 

cate, comforter, and witness, to regenerate 
and sanctify my soul, and to perfect holiness 
in me. He has bought me with his blood, 
and wrought out for me a perfect righteous- 
ness, that I may appear with acceptance in 
the eyes of infinite purity. 

And am I not his, who has done all this 
for me; bestowed on me such numberless 
and rich blessings; who has purchased me as 
his property, and delivered me from captivity 
to sin, and death, and hell ; and has prepared 
mansions in his Father's house, that I may 
dwell with him there, in eternal happiness, 
and in endless glory? Certainly I am his, 
who has bestowed on me such unutterable 
benefits. 

By right of creation — by right of preser- 
vation — by right of numberless benefactions, 
— by right of redemption — by the quicken- 
ing and sanctifying influences of his Holy 
Spirit, and by repeated self-dedications to his 
service, solemnly acknowledged, and ratified, 
at the table of my Lord, I belong to Him, 
who "died, and rose, and revived, that he 
might be Lord both of the dead and living." 
Rom. xiv. 10. 

Yes, I have solemnly recognized the right 



202 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

of Jesus Christ; and, in the presence of men, 
of angels, and of God, I have devoted myself, 
soul and body, to his service and glory. O ! 
may I never forget the solemn truth, and 
solemn transaction! May I be enabled to 
fulfil my covenant engagements ! I do not 
belong to the world. Let me then come out 
from it, and be separate; and manifest by 
my life, that I am not governed by the sinful 
views, and maxims, and principles, that 
govern unrenewed men, but by those that are 
set forth in the sacred Scriptures. The ser- 
vitude of Satan I renounce; therefore I must 
resist all his temptations, and oppose the 
interests of his usurped dominion over the 
world. I am not my own ; therefore I may 
not follow my own sinful inclinations, nor 
gratify my evil passions, and carnal desires. 
My flesh and sinful lusts must all be mortified 
and crucified. My body is to be presented 
as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 
God, a reasonable service; and I am to be 
transformed by the renewing of my mind, 
that I may prove what is that good, and ac- 
ceptable, and perfect will of God. Rom. xii. 
1, 2. In a word, I must follow Christ, and 
be holy as God is holy; and endeavour to 



PRAYER. 203 

shine forth in all the heavenly graces and 
virtues that pertain to a perfect man in Christ 
Jesus. 



PRAYER. 

My Lord and my God, I acknowledge thy 
right to me and over me. I am thine, in 
every sense of the word. Thine by creation, 
thine by preservation, thine by thy benefac- 
tions, thine by redemption, thine by regene- 
ration, thine by self-dedication. I am not my 
own, but wholly thine, for time and for eter- 
nity. In this I rejoice. O! for grace to 
remember the glorious truth, and to live ac- 
cording to its controlling influence. Let me 
never forget it. O! engrave it on my memo- 
ry, and in my heart. May I, at all times, 
and in all circumstances, acknowledge that 
I am not mine own, but belong to my faith- 
ful Lord and Saviour, who has bought me 
with his precious blood, and sanctified me 
by his Holy Spirit, and constrained me to 
devote myself soul and body to his service 
and honour, for ever. May I be faithful to 
my engagements, and always live in such a 
way as to prove to the world, that I am the 



204 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

servant and friend of my Redeemer. Reign 
in me, blessed Jesus. Take entire possession 
of my soul and body; and control all the 
faculties of the one, and all the members of 
the other, so as to do thy holy will, and bring 
glory to thy great name, both here and here- 
after. Amen and Amen. 



MEDITATION XXIV, 

THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE. 

The Christian's life is not one of ease and 
unmingled pleasure. It is exhibited in scrip- 
ture, by metaphors that imply self-denial, 
exertion, and danger. It is compared to a 
race, to wrestling, to a warfare. The Chris- 
tian has numerous, powerful, vigilant, and 
deceitful enemies, w r ith whom he must con- 
tend. Let me look at them, and contemplate 
the warfare in which I have engaged, by be- 
coming a follower of Jesus Christ. 

The world in which I live lieth in wicked- 
ness. Being in rebellion against God, it is 
opposed to his cause, and his religion among 



THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE. 205 

men. It is of course an enemy to all his 
friends, and will not fail to attempt to defile 
the purity of their heart, and to turn them 
aside from the path of duty. It has various 
enticing objects to seduce them from the way 
of God's commandments ; riches, honour, and 
pleasure, by which it controls and holds in 
bondage all unrenewed men. Let me watch 
against their seductive influence. 

If in the prosecution of regular business, it 
please God, by his propitious Providence, to 
grant success to my enterprises and exertions, 
so as to advance me to the possession of 
wealth; or if he bestow upon me a large in- 
heritance; I am not to refuse his gifts, but 
thankfully to enjoy them. But, then, let me 
beware, lest I indulge inordinate desire and 
anxious care, either in the pursuit, or in the 
possession of wealth. " Take heed, and be- 
ware of covetousness," is the injunction of 
my Saviour; "for a man's life consisteth not 
in the abundance of the things which he pos- 
sessed." Luke xii. 15. "Godliness with 
contentment is great gain," says Paul ; " for 
we brought nothing into this world; and it 
is certain we can carry nothing out. And 
having food and raiment, let us be therewith 
18 



206 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

content. But they that will be rich fall into 
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish 
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in de- 
struction and perdition. For the love of 
money is the root of all evil : which while 
some coveted after, they have erred from the 
faith, and pierced themselves through with 
many sorrows." 1 Tim. vi. 6-10. These 
instructive lessons, let me never forget. Im- 
printed on my heart, they will save me from 
every inordinate desire for wealth, and keep 
me back from all unjust means in the acqui- 
sition of gain ; and prompt me to the exercise 
of that liberality which will lead to such a 
use of wealth, in the support of the gospel 
and in the relief of the poor, as becomes the 
character of a Christian, and will secure the 
approbation of God. 

A good reputation is certainly an object 
worthy of my desire; for without it I cannot 
adorn the gospel I profess. But then it must 
be acquired by a pious life and the practice 
of Christian virtues. But the honours that 
the world presents as objects of ambition, and 
that are to be gained by engaging in party 
intrigue and party practices, I should refuse 
and abhor. And yet, if, in the regular dis- 



THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE. 207 

charge of duty, I should be elevated to a post 
of honour, or a station of trust, power, and 
influence, let me regard it as a gift of divine 
Providence, to increase my means of doing 
good, and promoting religion. 

" Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, 
and all her paths are paths of peace." Prov. 
iii. 17. The pleasures of domestic and social 
life, are not denied to a Christian. I may 
freely participate in them, under the guidance 
and restraints of that wisdom that cometh 
down from above. But there are pleasures 
in which worldlings delight, which pollute 
the soul, and excite and increase the power of 
evil passions. Of these let me beware. The 
theatre is to be shunned as a school of vice; 
and the midnight ball regarded as an exercise 
unbecoming one professing godliness, and 
corrupting in its influence. I am not to fre- 
quent those large and crowded parties that 
assemble and break up at such unseasonable 
hours, and so often interrupt the regular wor- 
ship of families. Nor am I to imitate those 
inconsiderate persons, who, by luxurious and 
expensive entertainments, go beyond their 
means, and tempt themselves to embezzle 
the property of others, to enable them to per- 



208 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

sist in their folly. Over all my amusements, 
recreations, enjoyments and pleasures, let 
heavenly wisdom preside, and save me from 
abusing the gifts of a kind Providence. 

But there are greater and more powerful 
enemies with whom I have to contend. 
"We," says the apostle, "wrestle not against 
ilesh and blood, but against principalities, 
against powers, against the rulers of the 
darkness of this world, against spiritual 
wickedness in high places." Ephes. vi. 12. 
What a fearful array ! From this passage it 
appears that fallen angels are so numerous as 
to be distributed into certain orders of 
government. At their head stands Satan, 
once a mighty archangel, but now the great 
enemy of God's kingdom in this world. He 
attempted and succeeded in the enterprise of 
seducing our first parents into sin: and ever 
since that fatal day, he and his rebellious 
associates have prosecuted, with untiring 
diligence and malignant pleasure, the dread- 
ful work of tempting men to sin against God. 
He reigns over this fallen world, and leads 
our sinful race captives, according to his 
pleasure. They willingly yield to his seduc- 
tive temptations, which accord with their 



THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE. 209 

sinful lusts and wicked passions. Satan and 
his associates have studied human nature for 
many ages; and know, by long experience, 
how to adapt their temptations to each man's 
temper and circumstances. Ever watchful, 
they are ready to apply their influence at the 
proper juncture, and the most favourable 
moment, to insure success. 

With such enemies, so numerous, so ma- 
lignant, so artful and cunning, and so watch- 
ful and untiring in their work of beguiling 
and ruining men, thou, O my soul, hast to 
contend. They are invisible to the eye, but 
they are real, and the more dangerous on 
account of their invisibility. Against their 
devices and snares how carefully oughtest 
thou to watch and pray! 

Alas ! they find within me an enemy ever 
ready to unite in their wicked designs, and 
deliver me up to their seductive influence. 
My heart, though quickened into spiritual 
life, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, is but 
imperfectly purified. There is still remaining 
within me " the old man," sin, to oppose " the 
new man," a principle of holiness, in all his 
efforts of obedience; so that I cannot do 
the good I would. Ah! were I free from all 
18* 



210 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

remains of sins, were I perfectly holy, resist- 
ance to the devil's temptations would not be 
so difficult. How much reason have I to 
exclaim, with the apostle, "O wretched 
man that I am! who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death'? I thank God through 
Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. vii. 24, 25. 

But in this great fight with enemies so 
mighty, so numerous, and so dangerous, let 
me not be discouraged. God has provided 
me with a complete armour for the battle. 
There is the girdle of truth to keep the 
armour in its place, and the breastplate of 
righteousness to protect the breast. My feet 
may be shod with the preparation of the gos- 
pel of peace. There is the shield of faith to 
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; the 
helmet, or hope, of salvation to guard the 
head against deadly strokes ; and the sword 
of the Spirit, which is the word of God, to be 
wielded in assailing my enemies. Ephes. vi. 
13—17. 

Here is complete armour for my warfare. 
Let me put it on ; and thus armed, let me go 
forth under the conduct of the great Captain 
of salvation, to the warfare to which I am 
called; and, with earnest prayer to Almighty 



THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE. 211 

God for grace and strength, let me endeavour 
to be " strong in the Lord and in the power 
of his might ;" that I may be enabled " to 
withstand in the evil day, and having done 
all, to stand." Ephes. vi. 10, 13. 

I have looked at my enemies ; now let me 
look at my allies and friends. Here on earth 
I see the host of God's elect ; all engaged in 
the same warfare, and continually offering 
up to the glorious Head of the church, the 
prayer, " Thy kingdom come." In heaven 
I behold the mighty angels prepared for her 
and my aid ; for " are they not all minister- 
ing spirits, sent forth to minister for them who 
shall be heirs of salvation 1 Heb. i. 14. They 
are more numerous and more powerful than 
fallen spirits, and render to the children of 
God signal aid. " The angel of the Lord 
encampeth round about them that fear him, 
and delivereth them." Psal. xxxiv. 7. Ter- 
rified by a sight of the Syrian host that com- 
passed the city, both with horses and chariots, 
" the young man who waited on Elisha ex- 
claimed, " Alas, my master ! how shall we 
do? And he answered, " Fear not : for they 
that be with us, are more than they that be 
with them. And Elisha prayed and said, 



212 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he 
may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of 
the young man, and he saw; and behold, the 
mountain was full of horses and chariots of 
fire, round about Elisha." 2 Kings vi. 15 — 17. 
And were my eyes, and the eyes of other 
Christians opened, as were the eyes of this 
young man, what discoveries should we make, 
and how should we rejoice in the heavenly 
guards God has stationed around us! 

And when we consider, that Jehovah him- 
self is on our side, surely we are authoriz- 
ed to dismiss every dispiriting fear! The 
triumphant interrogatories of the apostle Paul, 
become our lips : " If God be for us who can 
be against us ? He that spared not his own 
Son, but delivered him up for us all, how 
shall he not with him also freely give us all 
things ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge 
of God's elect ? God that justifieth ? Will he 
do it 1 Who is he that condemneth ? Christ 
that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who 
is even at the right hand of God, who also 
maketh intercession for us? Will he con- 
demn? Who shall separate us from the love 
of Christ 1 Shall tribulation, or distress, or 
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, 



PRAYER. 213 

or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we 
are killed all the day long ; we are accounted 
as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these 
things we are more than conquerors through 
him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that 
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin- 
cipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor 
any other creature, shall be able to separate 
us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus." Rom. viii. 31—39. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty God, in what a warfare have I 
engaged, by entering into the service of Jesus 
Christ thy Son ! With what enemies I have 
to contend ! The world meets me, to entice 
me back from his blessed control. It urges 
its sinful maxims, customs, practices, and 
amusements, to turn my feet from his com- 
mandments. By its wealth, its honours, and 
its pleasures, it allures me from duty. By 
innumerable, cunning, and malignant fallen 
spirits, I am surrounded; who are constantly 
watching for opportunities to press upon me 
their temptations. And alas ! my depraved 



214 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

heart is ready to seize the temptation, and to 
side with my spiritual enemies, that I may be 
led astray from thy holy precepts. 

When I consider my own weakness, and 
compare myself with the number, power, 
subtilty, and influence of my enemies, how 
discouraging the warfare ! But blessed be 
thy name, I am not called to war in my own 
strength. I may rely on thy almighty aid. 
Thou hast provided for me a complete armour. 
O ! help me to put it on ; and lead me on to 
fight under the conduct of the great Captain 
of salvation. I am not alone in this warfare. 
I have for my fellow soldiers, all the chosen 
and redeemed of God on earth, who are send- 
ing up prayer to God for themselves and 
each other. And I am taught by thy word 
to believe, that the holy angels are minister- 
ing to my welfare and safety. More are on my 
side than they that be against me. With such 
friends and allies, I may, relying on the grace 
of my God, go on cheerfully in the warfare, and 
entertain a confident hope of a final and tri- 
umphant victory over all my spiritual enemies. 

I shall at last tread them all under my 
feet, and exult for ever in the finished salva- 
tion of my glorious Redeemer. Into thy 



WATCHFULNESS. 215 

hands, O my God, I commit my soul. Pre- 
serve me, blameless, unto thy heavenly king- 
dom, and bestow upon me a crown of life, 
for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



MEDITATION XXV. 

WATCHFULNESS AND DEPENDENCE ON DIVINE AS- 
SISTANCE. 

When I compare my enemies with my 
friends and allies, I see the latter exceed in 
number, and far transcend in power the for- 
mer ; so that I may, in this view of my case, 
well cheer myself, by repeating the triumphant 
language of the apostle, recited in the preced- 
ing meditation. But guarded as I am by the 
ministry of holy angels, and protected by the 
Almighty, I must not forget, that I am here 
in a state of warfare, and on the field of bat- 
tle, and that, while in such a state, I am ex- 
posed to dangers, which demand unceasing 
watchfulness, and the vigorous exertion of 
every power I possess. The commander of 
a well appointed army, confiding in its valour, 
may, when he sees the inferiority of his 



216 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

enemy, feel assured of gaining victory in the 
day of conflict. But were he to suffer him- 
self to be deceived by his confidence, so as 
to be betrayed into security, and to neglect 
to post his sentinels around his encampment 
at night, he would act a most unwise part, 
and expose his army to surprise, by a mid- 
night assault, and a shameful overthrow. 

This duty is forcibly recommended by the 
consideration of certain cases on record. 
Several of the ancient saints failed in the 
exercise of particular graces for which they 
were eminent. Abraham was distinguished 
by the strength of his faith; yet he failed in 
the exercise of faith, in more than one 
instance, by the story he invented to secure 
himself from danger, to which he feared he 
would be exposed, by the beauty of his wife. 
Moses is pronounced the meekest man on 
earth; yet he was so provoked, by the rebel- 
lion of the Israelites, that, at Horeb, when he 
smote the rock, and brought forth a plentiful 
stream of water, to allay their thirst, he spake 
unadvisedly with his lips, and failed to honour 
God; and was, on account of this sin, for- 
bidden to enter the land of promise. See 
Psal. cvi. 32, 33. Numb. xx. 10, 11. The 



WATCHFULNESS. 217 

failures in duty, of these eminent saints, may 
teach me a salutary lesson, to be always on 
the watch. 

The cases of Lot and David are awaken- 
ing and alarming. Lot was certainly a 
righteous man; he is so styled by Peter; 
(2 Pet. ii. 7, 8;) yet shortly after his memo- 
rable deliverance from the conflagration of 
Sodom, into what shameful sins was he 
betrayed by his two daughters ? Gen. xix. 
30-38. David passed through many great 
and severe trials, with honour to himself. 
But after the Lord had delivered him out of 
them all, and had firmly established him on 
the throne of Israel, into what shameful sins 
did he fall that brought upon him severe 
punishment from the hand of God, and 
called for deep abasement and anguish of 
soul! 

Look at these cases, O my soul, and trem- 
ble. See to what depths of iniquity thou 
mightest fall, if thou were not sustained, by 
the upholding grace of God. How necessary 
and worthy of thy consideration, the admo- 
nitions of the apostle ! " Let him that think- 
eth he standeth, take heed lest he fall :" 1 Cor. 
x. 12 ; and again, " Be not high-minded, but 
19 



218 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

fear." Rom. xi. 20. Peter, after having led 
us to the contemplation of the end of the 
world, adds this caution: "Ye therefore, be- 
loved, seeing ye know these things, beware 
lest ye also being led away with the error of 
the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." 
2 Pet. iii. 17. 

The Lord is true to his promises, and I 
may, with confidence, rely on his faithful- 
ness ; but let me remember I am not author- 
ized to expect their fulfilment to me, unless I 
use the means appointed for the purpose. 
The great apostle, who well understood the 
nature of the promises, and their connexion 
with human exertion, says of himself, "I 
therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, 
not as one that beateth the air : but I keep 
under my body, and bring it into subjection, 
lest that by any means, when I have preach- 
ed to others, I myself should be a castaway." 
1 Cor. ix. 26, 27. And this important direc- 
tion he has left on record, " Wherefore seeing 
we also are compassed about with so great a 
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every 
weight, and the sin which doth so easily be- 
set us, and let us run with patience the race 
that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the 



WATCHFULNESS. 219 

author and finisher of our faith ; who for the 
joy that was set before him, endured the 
cross, despising the shame, and is set down 
at the right hand of God. For consider him 
that endured such contradiction of sinners 
against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint 
in your minds." Heb. xii. 1 — 3. 

Watchfulness, in a state of warfare, is a 
most reasonable duty. How frequent the ex- 
hortations to it in the Scriptures ! " Watch, 
therefore : for ye know not what hour your 
Lord doth come." " Watch and pray, that 
ye enter not into temptation." " Watch ye, 
stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be 
strong." " Therefore let us not sleep, as do 
others : but let us watch, and be sober." 
" But the end of all things is at hand ; be ye 
therefore sober, and w T atch unto prayer." 
Matt. xxiv. 42; xxvi. 41. 1 Cor. xvi. 13. 
1 Thess. v. 6. 1 Pet. iv. 7. 

My soul, remember this important injunc- 
tion of thy Lord, so often repeated by his in- 
spired apostles. Watch against thy enemies, 
at all times, and in all places: watch and 
pray. 

Another duty that demands my special at- 
tention in this warfare, is, to bear in con- 



220 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

stant remembrance my own weakness and 
insufficiency, for this spiritual and dangerous 
conflict. The Spirit of God, I trust, has 
quickened me to a new and divine life. But 
the grace already communicated, is not 
enough for the preservation, and demands of 
this life. It is not with me, as it was with 
Adam. He had received his spiritual life in 
perfection, and was amply furnished for all 
his duties and temptations ; and nothing was 
required but watchfulness, and the exercise of 
his inherent power, to preserve himself in 
a state of holiness. Not so with me. I can- 
not live on grace received. My life is hid 
with Christ in God, (Col. iii. 3,) and must be 
sustained by daily supplies of grace from my 
covenant Head. With what beauty does the 
Redeemer illustrate the truth, and with what 
kindness, enforce the corresponding duty ! 
" I am the true vine, and my Father is the 
husbandman. Every branch in me that bear- 
eth not fruit he taketh away: and every 
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that 
it may bring forth more fruit. Abide in me, 
and I in you. As the branch cannot bear 
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no 
more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am 



WATCHFULNESS. 221 

the vine, ye are the branches : he that abideth 
in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth 
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as 
a branch, and is withered : and men gather 
them, and cast them into the fire, and they 
are burned." John xv. 1 — 6. 

On this mystery of the divine life, it be- 
comes me to meditate frequently and serious- 
ly ; that, by bearing in mind my own weak- 
ness, I may seek and derive strength from 
my Redeemer. Then will my experience 
accord with that of Paul, and I may adopt 
his language, and say, " When I am weak, 
then am I strong." 2 Cor. xii. 10. The more 
I feel my weakness, the more shall I feel the 
need of help from above ; and applying the 
more frequently by faith and prayer to my 
Redeemer for supplies of his grace, he will not 
fail to grant them, and render me strong in 
the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

After the extraordinary visions afforded to 
this great and highly favoured man, there 
was given to him a thorn in the flesh, the 
messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he 
should be exalted above measure. Thrice he 
besought the Lord to remove from him this 
19* 



222 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

evil, which he feared would be a serious im- 
pediment to his usefulness in preaching the 
gospel. It was not removed ; yet his prayer 
was heard and answered to his entire satis- 
faction. " My grace," said his Master, " is 
sufficient for thee : for my strength is made 
perfect in weakness." This divine assurance 
was sufficient for the apostle, who imme- 
diately exclaimed, "most gladly, therefore, 
will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the 
power of Christ may rest upon me. There- 
fore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in re- 
proaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in 
distresses, for Christ's sake : for when I am 
weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor. xii. 7 — 10. 
This gracious assurance, let it be remem- 
bered, has been left on record, for my benefit, 
and that of all believing Christians. What 
the Redeemer said to Paul, he says to us ; 
" My grace is sufficient for thee : for my 
strength is made perfect in weakness." His 
divine power can be illustrated in my weak- 
ness, as well as it was in that of Paul. Had 
I the faith of this holy man, I might, as he 
did, take pleasure in my infirmities, that my 
Redeemer might be honoured, by the sustain- 
ing influence of his grace. 






WATCHFULNESS. 223 

Meditation, then, on my own weakness, 
that I may keep it in constant remembrance, 
will have no tendency to discourage me; 
provided I consider it in connexion with the 
all-sufficiency of my Redeemer. He can 
strengthen me in my weakness, so as to pre- 
pare me for every trial and duty. " For it 
pleased the Father, that in him should all 
fulness dwell; and in him dwelleth all the 
fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. i. 19; 
ii. 9. "And of his fulness," says John, "have 
all we received, and grace for grace." John 
i. 16. Here is a fountain of grace ever full 
and overflowing. At this fountain drank 
all the pious who lived before the Saviour's 
advent, and all who have lived since that 
period ; and to this inexhaustible fountain 
may I apply, from day to day, as long as I 
live, and draw all needful supplies of grace- 
strength and consolation. Here, then, is 
ample encouragement to go on my way re- 
joicing; confiding in the promise, "God is 
faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted 
above that ye are able to bear; but will with 
the temptation also make a way to escape, 
that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. x. 13. 



224 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and merciful God, grant me 
grace, that I may ever attend to the great 
duty of Christian watchfulness. May I 
always bear in mind my own weakness, and 
insufficiency for the conflict in which I am 
called to engage, by following my Lord and 
Master. Never suffer me, I beseech thee, by 
forgetting my weakness, to become secure, 
and lay myself open to surprise. May I 
always be awake to a sense of danger ; re- 
membering that it is only while I watch, and 
pray, and exert myself, I am authorized to 
expect promised aid. 

Let me profit by the recorded instances of 
failure in duty, by eminent saints ; and take 
a salutary alarm, when I reflect on the sad 
and disgraceful falls of David, and Peter, and 
others. I cannot live on grace received. I 
need a daily and constant supply from my 
covenant Head, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. 

But, O Lord, I know that while I cherish 
a due sense of my own weakness and depend- 
ence, I have no ground for despondency or 
discouragement. Thou art Almighty, and 
able to strengthen me with all might, by thy 



PKAYER. 225 

Spirit, in the inner man. Thou hast pro- 
mised, that we shall not be tempted ' above 
that we are able to bear ; and that, with the 
temptation, a way to escape shall be made, 
that we may be able to bear it. On thy 
gracious promise, I desire to rely, and to 
place myself under the shadow of thy pro- 
tecting wings. 

May the assurance of the Saviour, " My 
grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength 
is made perfect in weakness," be engraven 
on my memory and heart, that I may con- 
tinually rely upon his promised grace and 
assistance. 0! for the faith of the apostle, 
to be enabled, like him, to glory in my infir- 
mities, that the power of Christ may rest 
upon me ; and find, in my happy experience, 
"when I am weak, then am I strong." 

Preserve me, my God, safe unto the end. 
Give me the victory over all my spiritual 
foes, that I may, at last, enter into thy hea- 
venly kingdom, and rest from all my toils 
and conflicts. Hear me, Lord, for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



226 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 



MEDITATION XXVI. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S REWARD. 

Reward! What reward do I deserve, for 
any service I have rendered to my Lord 
and Master? Ah ! had I received my deserts, 
I should, at this moment, have been a cast- 
away; shut up in the prison of despair, and 
groaning under the weight of a punishment 
just, severe and endless. But God had mercy 
on me, and was pleased to make me partaker 
of an interest in the righteousness of Jesus 
Christ. Jesus is the author of my salvation. 
He has purchased, by his death and obe- 
dience, all the blessings I have received, and 
shall receive. How explicit the language of 
sacred Scripture on this subject ! " The gift 
of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ 
our Lord." Rom. vi. 23. " He that heareth 
my words, and believeth on him that sent me, 
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into 
condemnation; but is passed from death unto 
life." John v. 24. There is, therefore, now 
no condemnation to them that are in Christ 



THE CHRISTIAN'S REWARD. 227 

Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after 
the spirit," Rom. viii. 1; "who was delivered 
for our offences, and was raised again for 
our justification." Rom. iv. 25. "I give 
unto them eternal life ; and they shall never 
perish, neither shall any pluck them out of 
my hand." John x. 17. "But after that 
the kindness and love of God our Saviour 
toward man appeared, not by works of right- 
eousness which we have done, but according 
to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of 
regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being 
justified by his grace, we should be made 
heirs, according to the hope of eternal life." 
Tit. iii. 4-7. "But where sin abounded, 
grace did much more abound, that as sin 
hath reigned unto death, even so might grace 
reign through righteousness unto eternal life, 
by Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. v. 20, 21. 
So plainly am I taught, that I am indebted 
to the merits of my Redeemer for eternal 
life, and every other blessing of salvation. 
All the glory, then, belongs to him ; and hence 
it is, I have access to the throne of grace 



228 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

through him, and am directed to offer all my 
prayers in his name. 

And yet the infinite wisdom of God has 
established a connexion between my obedi- 
ence to his law, and my salvation. Good 
works are necessary to salvation, though 
destitute of any merit; and for the encourage- 
ment of Christians, and to quicken and ani- 
mate their zeal, God has been pleased to 
present their future happiness in the light of 
a reward. It is written, " who will render 
to every man according to his deeds; to 
them who by patient continuance in well 
doing seek for glory and honour, and immor- 
tality, eternal life." Rom. ii. 6, 7. "For 
God is not unrighteous to forget your work 
and labour of love, which ye have showed to- 
ward his name, in that ye have ministered to 
the saints, and do minister. And we desire 
that every one of you do show the same dili- 
gence to the full assurance of hope unto the 
end : that ye be not slothful, but followers of 
them who through faith and patience inherit 
the promises." — Heb. vi. 10, 11. "He that 
soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly ; 
and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap also 



THE CHRISTIAN'S REWARD. 229 

bountifully." 2 Cor. ix. 6. " And they that 
be wise shall shine as the brightness of the 
firmament ; and they that turn many to right- 
eousness, as the stars for ever and ever." 
Dan. xii. 3. 

While, therefore, I am permitted to eon- 
template my future happiness as a reward of 
my obedience, let me never forget the true 
connexion between them; that the reward 
for which I may look, is a reward of grace, 
bestowed for the sake of Jesus Christ ; to 
whom I owe all my present privileges and 
hopes ; and to whose merits I shall hereafter 
owe my admission into heaven, my acquittal 
in the day of judgment, and the bestowment 
of eternal life. 

Thus instructed, contemplate, my soul, the 
glorious reward of Christians. How bright, 
how brilliant, how transcendent ! Gaze at 
it ; and let it awaken thy ambition, and cap- 
tivate all thy desires, and throw into the 
shade all those inferior objects of this world, 
that would dispute for the supremacy of thy 
heart. 

What will be thy reward ? " Be thou 
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a 
crown of life" is the promise of thy Redeemer, 
20 



230 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

Rev. ii. 10. Not a crown of gold, studded 
with jewels, and brilliant with diamonds; 
such as adorn the heads of earthly monarchs. 
These are not crowns of life. They pass 
from head to head, and will at last be lost in 
the final conflagration of the world. A crown 
of life is conceivably more valuable than the 
richest crown that ever decked a mortal's 
brow. It will never fade ; it will increase in 
brilliancy with the lapse of ages. No cares, 
no anxiety will it produce in my breast. Se- 
cured to me by the immutable promise of God, 
it will fill my soul with unutterable peace and 
joy. It can never be lost ; it will through 
eternal ages adorn my brow. 

Again, I read another promise of my Re- 
deemer : " He that overcometh the same shall 
be clothed in white raiment ; and I will not 
blot out his name out of the book of life, but 
I will confess his name before my Father, 
and before his angels." Rev. iii. 5. What a 
delightful promise ! Here my garments are 
soiled and blackened by sin; but hereafter 
they will be washed in the blood of the Lamb, 
made white, and kept white, and free from 
every stain. I shall be perfectly freed from 
sin, and shine for ever in the beauties of holi- 






THE CHRISTIAN'S REWARD. 231 

ness. My name, now recorded in the book 
of life, will never be erased, but remain writ- 
ten there for ever. And in the day of judg- 
ment, when the universe shall be assembled, 
my worthless name will be confessed before 
the eternal Father, and before his holy angels. 
The Lord of glory will acknowledge me as 
an elect one, redeemed by his blood, sanctified 
by his Spirit, adopted into his family, and 
constituted an heir to an eternal inheritance ! 
What honour ! what blessedness ! 

To raise my hopes still higher the Redeemer 
utters another promise : " To him that over- 
cometh will I grant to sit with me on my 
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set 
down with my Father on his throne." Rev. 
iii. 21. What a promise! What human 
mind can comprehend its import? Well 
might the apostle say, "Beloved, now are 
we the sons of God, and it doth not yet ap- 
pear what we shall be," 1 John iii. 2: and 
another, " For we know that the whole crea- 
tion groaneth and travaileth in pain together 
until now. And not only they, but ourselves 
also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, 
even we ourselves, groan within ourselves, 



232 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

waiting for the adoption, to wit the redemp- 
tion of our body." Rom. viii. 22, 23. 

Compared with the rich, and glorious, and 
infinite reward that my Redeemer will be- 
stow on my fidelity, what are the objects 
which the world holds out to tempt my am- 
bition, and entice my heart ? Its treasures, 
compared with eternal treasures in heaven ; 
its honours, compared with the honours which 
the Judge of the universe will bestow on his 
faithful followers ; its pleasures, polluted and 
fading, compared with the pure, refined, 
transporting and enduring pleasures of im- 
mortal beings — what are they? The small 
dust of the balance! a drop to the ocean! 

Rise then, my soul, and let a heavenly 
ambition animate thy desires, and redouble 
thy exertions, in the service of thy gracious 
Lord and Master. Seek those things which 
are above, where Christ Jesus sitteth on the 
right hand of God. Set thy affections on 
things above, not on things on the earth. 
Col. iii. 1,2. In imitation of the holy apostle, 
" forgetting the things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those things that are be- 
fore, press toward the mark for the prize of 



THE CHRISTIAN'S REWARD. 233 

the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 
Phil iii. 13, 14. 

What, my soul, are all thy exertions, 
and labours, and sorrows, and afflictions, and 
sufferings, to the eternal joy set before thee ? 
Canst thou not say with Paul, " for our light 
affliction, which is but for a moment, work- 
eth for us a far more exceeding and eternal 
weight of glory; while we look not at the 
things which are seen, but at the things 
which are not seen: for the things which are 
seen are temporal; but the things w r hich are 
not seen are eternal." 2 Cor. iv. 17, 18. 

Welcome, death, to put me in possession 
of a crown of life! Welcome, death, to 
clothe me with white raiment, and secure 
such glory to my humble name, as will be 
attached to it by a gracious acknowledgment 
of it by my Redeemer! Welcome, death, 
that I may gain a seat on my Saviour's 
throne, and be like him ; living and reigning 
with him in immortal blessedness and endless 
glory. 

20* 



234 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

PRAYER. 

Blessed Redeemer, how infinite thy con- 
descension and mercy ! I am a poor mise- 
rable sinner, destitute of all merit, and de- 
serving eternal banishment from heaven, and 
eternal confinement in hell. But thou, in 
infinite love, wast pleased to undertake to 
deliver me and other sinners of the human 
race, to atone for our sins, to purchase for us 
pardon, sanctification, and eternal life. And 
yet, for our encouragement, and to animate 
our exertions in doing thy will, thou art 
pleased to permit us to look at heavenly 
blessings, in the light of a reward. Thou 
hast promised to him who is faithful unto 
death, a crown of life; to clothe him with 
white raiment, and to confess his name before 
thy Father, and his holy angels; and that 
thou wilt grant that he shall sit with thee in 
thy throne, even as thou didst overcome, and 
art set down with thy Father in his throne. 
Amazing promises ! Inconceivable happiness 
and glory! 

My gracious Saviour, I would look at 
these promises, and gaze at the wonderful 
rewards they hold forth, in the light in which 



PRAYER. 235 

thou hast been pleased to present them ; to 
encourage and animate my heart in follow- 
ing and serving thee. But I desire to bear 
in mind the true connexion between my obe- 
dience and fidelity, and the promised reward. 
It is a connexion of grace, and not of merit. 
Never may I forget that all the blessings of 
the heavenly state, were purchased by thy 
precious blood, and that eternal life will be 
the gift of God, through thy meritorious 
obedience. 

Grant, O my Redeemer, that I may never 
lose sight of the truth; and that, while I look 
for eternal life as a promised reward of my 
poor services and adherence to thy glorious 
cause in this sinful world, I may always 
cherish an affectionate remembrance, that I 
shall be indebted for a seat in thy kingdom 
in heaven to thy infinite merits. 

To God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
be all glory, both now and for ever. Amen. 



236 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 



MEDITATION XXVII. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY. 

Joy is a delightful passion or affection of the 
soul. It belongs to human nature; and is 
excited by the possession or expectation of 
some good. The wicked rejoice, when their 
corn and their wine abound. The bride- 
groom rejoices over his bride. The merchant 
rejoices at the arrival of his richly freighted 
ship; and at the prospect of the success of a 
gainful enterprise in which he has embarked. 
By "giving them rain from heaven, and 
fruitful seasons, God fills the hearts of men 
with food and gladness." Acts xiv. 17. 

And have Christians no peculiar reasons 
for rejoicing? What is the language of 
sacred Scripture on this subject 1 " Rejoice 
in the Lord, ye righteous; for praise is 
comely for the upright." Psal. xxxiii. 1. 
"Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give 
thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." 
Psal. xcvii. 12. " Finally, my brethren," says 
Paul, "rejoice in the Lord." Phil. iii. 1. 



the christian's JOY. 237 

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I 
say, Rejoice.'' Phil. iv. 4. From these pas- 
sages and many more that might be quoted, 
it evidently appears to be both the privilege 
and the duty of Christians to rejoice, at all 
times, in all places, and in all circumstances. 
"My brethren," is the language of James, 
"count it all joy, when ye fall into divers 
temptations ; knowing this, that the trying of 
your faith worketh patience." James i. 1,2. 
Similar is the language of Paul: "By whom 
also we have access by faith into this grace 
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the 
glory of God. And not only so, but we 
glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribu- 
lation worketh patience ; and patience expe- 
rience; and experience hope; and hope 
jnaketh not ashamed; because the love of 
God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy 
Ghost which is given unto us." Rom. v. 2-5. 
Peter accords with both apostles; "Wherein 
ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, 
if need be, ye are in heaviness through mani- 
fold temptations : that the trial of your faith, 
being much more precious than of gold that 
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might 
be found unto praise and honour and glory 



238 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom 
having not seen, ye love ; in whom, though 
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice 
with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 
1 Pet. i. 6-8. 

And does not thy experience, O my soul, 
accord with these testimonies of inspired 
writers ? Hast thou not tasted the sweet and 
delightful nature of Christian joy? When 
thy mind was first enlightened to see the ful- 
ness and glory of Jesus Christ, and thou 
wast enabled to believe in and to embrace 
him, as thy Saviour, was not thy joy unspeak- 
able and full of glory ? And in thy afflictions 
and trials has thou not been supported by the 
joy of faith and hope ? Has not religion 
spread over thee a sweet and blessed serenity 
of mind ? Be thankful for what grace has 
done for thee. Yet thou hast failed in the 
exercise of thy privilege, and in the discharge 
of thy duty in reference to Christian joy. 
Thou hast not rejoiced in the Lord, as thou 
oughtest. 

Let me review my sources of joy, and see 
how abundant they are. 

1. The change of my relative state, is one. 
Born in sin, I came into the world under 



the christian's JOY. 239 

sentence of condemnation. It was a fearful 
state, to live under the wrath of God, hasten- 
ing on in the broad road to everlasting de- 
struction ! Mercy came to my relief. God 
was pleased to awaken and alarm me, at a 
sight of my danger. He presented to my 
eyes the great Redeemer, and wrought faith 
in my heart. And now I am pardoned, re- 
conciled to God, accepted and adopted into 
his family, and blest with hope. What a 
change ! How great and joyful ! 

2. The change which grace has wrought in 
my nature is another source of joy. Denied 
by original sin, and destitute of holiness, I 
was, by nature, at enmity with God. As I 
grew up, I became more and more depraved, 
and alienated from my Creator ; and had I 
been left to myself, I should have for ever 
remained the slave of sin, and utterly unfit 
for heaven. But thanks to God, he saw me 
in my woful condition, and bade me live. 
He sent his Holy Spirit who quickened me, 
when I was dead in trespasses and sins. He 
imparted to me a new and divine life, to love 
and serve God. The purifying work is be- 
gun, by which I am delivered from the bon- 
dage and dominion of sin ; and it will be 



240 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

carried on, till I shall be entirely free from 
all sin, and fitted for a residence in heaven. And 
is not this great change in my moral nature 
a spring of great joy ; one for which I should 
be exceedingly grateful to the Divine Author \ 
3. Another source of joy, is the portion my 
soul has chosen. Like that of other men, the 
world was my portion. In my blindness I 
pursued after its enticing objects ; as if riches, 
honours, and pleasures, could render me 
happy. I was destitute of loftier views; I 
knew of no better portion; till God was 
pleased to show me my folly, and expose the 
vanity of earthly things as a portion for an 
immortal creature. He graciously addressed 
to me these wonderful words : " Wherefore 
come out from among them, and be ye sepa- 
rate, saith the Lord, and touch not the un- 
clean thing; and I will receive you, and will 
be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my 
sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 
2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. Accepting this all gracious 
offer, I have through grace, taken God the 
Father, God the Son, and God the Holy 
Ghost, three Persons in one Godhead, to be 
my God and portion, for ever; ratified by a 
covenant transaction. What a portion ! How 



THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY. 241 

infinitely more valuable than the world! 
" Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there 
is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 
My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is 
the strength of my heart, and my portion for 
ever." Psal. lxxiii. 25, 26. 

4. The Providence of God constitutes a 
source of much joy. The world is not under 
the government of blind chance. " The Lord 
reigneth ; let the earth rejoice ; let the multi- 
tude of the isles be glad thereof." Psal. 
xcvii. 1. How delightful this truth! My 
affairs are all in the hands of an infinitely 
wise Being, my covenant God. He knows 
how to choose for me, far better than I do; 
when to afflict, and when to comfort ; when 
to favour me with prosperity, and when to 
visit me with adversity. I am cheered with 
the blessed assurance, "And we know that all 
things work together for good to them that 
love God, to them who are called according 
to his purpose." Rom. viii. 28. " Many are 
the afflictions of the righteous : but the Lord 
delivereth him out of them all." Psal. xxxiv. 
19. How consoling the direction ! " Trust 
in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou 
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be 
21 



242 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and 
he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 
Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also 
in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And 
he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the 
light, and thy judgment as the noon-day. 
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; 
fret not thyself because of him who prosper- 
eth in his way, because of the man who 
bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from 
anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in 
any wise to do evil. For evil doers shall be 
cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, 
they shall inherit the earth." Psal. xxxvii. 
3-9. 

5. The promises of God furnish another 
plentiful spring of joy. They are, as Peter 
says, " exceeding great and precious." 2 Pet. 
i. 4. They meet and cover every circum- 
stance that can occur, make provision for 
every want, and comprehend every blessing 
of this life, and of the life to come. How 
rich and full these promises ! " For the Lord 
God is a sun and shield : the Lord will give 
grace and glory: no good thing will he with- 
hold from them that walk uprightly." Psal. 
lxxxiv. 11. "Be content with such things 



the christian's JOY. 243 

as ye have : for he hath said, I will never 
leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. xiii. 5. 
" But my God shall supply all your need 
according to his riches in glory by Christ 
Jesus." Phil. iv. 19. "Be careful for no- 
thing; but, in every thing by prayer and 
supplication with thanksgiving, let your re- 
quests be made known unto God. And the 
peace of God, which passeth all understand- 
ing, shall keep your hearts and minds through 
Christ Jesus." Phil. iv. 6, 7. The Bible is 
full of promises ; and should they not sustain 
my faith, and awaken my joy? They were 
given and confirmed, that we who have fled 
for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
us, might have strong consolation. Heb. vi. 
17, 18. 

6. To all these sources of joy, I must add 
my prospects in regard to a future world. How 
sublime and glorious ! My Saviour has gone 
into heaven, where he reigns in infinite glory; 
and has promised to come and receive me to 
himself, that where he is, there I shall be also; 
rejoicing with the spirits of just men made 
perfect in his presence, and waiting in joyful 
expectation for the resurrection of my body, 
to be fashioned like to his most glorious 



244 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

body; and then, after judgment, to dwell and 
reign with him, in the highest heaven, in 
perfect happiness and endless glory. Invalu- 
able hope! 

What abundant and fruitful sources of joy, 
are here set before me ! A wonderful change 
has been produced by grace in my relative 
state; a blessed change has been wrought in 
my nature by the Holy Spirit; God the 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, has become 
my reconciled God and covenanted portion; 
on the care of his providece, I may cast all 
my burdens, and look to him for wisdom and 
guidance, support and protection; his pro- 
mises, on which I depend, are exceedingly 
great and precious ; and my hope beyond the 
grave, is indescribably glorious. 

With such sources of joy opened, and to 
which I may constantly apply, why do I not 
rejoice more? Let me take a lesson from the 
man of the world. His heart is set on the 
object of his pursuit, and he pursues after it 
with unquenchable desire. He loses it by 
some misfortune; he is deprived of his wealth, 
or of his honour. How is he troubled and 
distressed ! He cannot withdraw his thoughts 
from the dear object which he has lost. He 






PRAYER. 245 

thinks of it by day and by night; and refuses 
to be comforted. 

Now, my soul, if thy thoughts were more 
turned to the rich sources of joy set before 
thee, and thy heart were more devoted to 
heavenly objects, wouldst thou not rejoice 
more? Endeavour to love more the spiritual 
blessings bestowed on thee, to give thy heart 
mere unreservedly to thy covenant God, and 
to prize more highly thy hope of future bless- 
edness; and then thou wilt think more of the 
wonders which divine grace has wrought for 
thee, and be enabled to live more in the en- 
joyment of thy privileges. Thou wilt go on 
thy way rejoicing, and find the joy of the 
Lord thy strength. Neh. viii. 10. 

PRAYER. 

my God, what abundant reasons hast 
thou furnished me, for unceasing joy! Thou 
hast produced a glorious change in my rela- 
tive state. Chargeable with innumerable sins, 
thou hast pardoned me; condemned, thou 
hast justified me; in a state of enmity, thou 
hast reconciled me to thyself; and expelled 
from thy family, thou hast adopted me ; my 
21* 



246 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

nature, vile and corrupted by sin, thou hast 
sanctified, and art fitting for heaven, by the 
purifying operations of thy Holy Spirit. Thou 
hast condescended to become the portion of 
my soul. On the care of thy ever watchful 
providence, I am permitted to cast myself, 
and to intrust all my affairs to the disposal 
of infinite wisdom and mercy. Thy promises 
are exceedingly rich and precious. And 
thou hast lighted up in my soul the hope of 
immortal blessedness. Who should rejoice, 
if I do not, who have access to such inex- 
haustible springs of joy? It is my duty to 
rejoice daily in the Lord. Nothing should 
extinguish my joy. I should rejoice in ad- 
versity, as well as in prosperity; in afflictions, 
as well as when exempt from them. But I 
have failed in this delightful duty. Oh ! for 
grace to adopt the prophet's language: "Al- 
though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither 
shall fruit be found in the vine; the labour of 
the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield 
no meat; the flocks shall be cut off from the 
fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall ; 
yet I will rejoice in the Lord ; I will joy in 
the God of my salvation." Hab. iii. 17, 18. 
Grant me grace, I beseech thee, O God, to 



THE HOLY SPIRIT. 247 

enable me to perform this cheering duty. Let 
joy beam continually in my eyes, that those 
who behold me, may see the blessed and 
lovely nature of religion; and be induced to 
come, and taste, and see, that the Lord is 
good and gracious, and kind to them who 
hope in his mercy. Let me rejoice always 
in hope of the glory of God. In the name 
of Christ, thy Son, I pray. Amen. 



MEDITATION XXVIII. 

DEPENDENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

In the economy of man's redemption, the 
Holy Spirit has been pleased to assume the 
office of applying the benefits purchased by 
the Son, to the souls of men, and putting 
them in possession of his complete salvation. 
It is his work to enlighten the sinner's dark- 
ened mind ; for the Redeemer says, " When 
he is come he will reprove the world of sin, 
and of righteousness and of judgment." " He 
shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, 
and shall show it unto you." John xvi. 8, 14. 



248 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

" The natural man receiveth not the things of 
the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness 
unto him : neither can he know them, be- 
cause they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 
ii. 14. 

It is the work of the Spirit to sanctify the 
soul. We are born of the Spirit. John iii. 5. 
We are saved by the washing of regenera- 
tion, the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Tit. 
iii. 5. " God hath from the beginning chosen 
you to salvation, through sanctification of the 
Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thes. ii. 13. 

The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray : 
" Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infir- 
mities: for we know not what we should 
pray for as we ought : but the Spirit itself 
maketh intercession for us, with groanings 
which cannot be uttered." Rom. viii. 26. 

He is the Spirit of adoption, who forms 
believers to a filial temper, and bears witness 
with their Spirit that they are the children of 
God. Rom. viii. 14—16. Gal. iv. 5, 6. 

He is their strength. The prayer of Paul 
is, " that he would grant you, according to 
the riches of his glory, to be strengthened 
with might by his Spirit in the inner man." 
Ephes. iii. 16. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT. 249 

In fine, he is the author of every grace. 
" The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, 
long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
meekness, temperance." Gal. v. 22, 23. 

So we are taught in the Holy Scriptures 
to believe concerning the office and work of 
the Holy Spirit. And have I not found the 
truth verified in my own experience ? Is it 
not owing to his gracious operations on my 
soul, that I have become a partaker of the 
great salvation of Jesus Christ? 

How dark and ignorant was my mind in 
regard to spiritual things ! I read the word 
of God, and heard the voice of the living 
ministry, but all in vain, till the Spirit shed 
his light upon my mind. Darkness still covered 
my soul ; and I slumbered on, secure and un- 
concerned about my immortal interests. But 
when he who commanded the light at first to 
shine out of darkness, was pleased to shine into 
my heart, what discoveries were made ! I saw 
r my guilt, depravity, and danger. I trembled; 
fearfulness took hold on me; I found no rest, 
till the blessed Spirit was pleased to reveal 
the Saviour in his fulness to me, and let me 
see how able and willing he was to save 
every one that came to him. And ever 



250 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

since I have felt my dependence on the Holy 
Spirit for his illuminating influence. How 
darkness veils my mind, whenever he with- 
draws his light ! But when he throws his 
light upon the sacred page, and illuminates 
my soul, how changed the scene ! What 
wonderful things are seen in the word ! With 
what pleasure do I think of God, and Christ, 
and heavenly things ! How is the mystery 
of redeeming love unfolded ! How plainly is 
the path to heaven marked out before me ! 
Never forget, my soul, thy need of the illumi- 
nating influence of the Holy Spirit, and daily 
pray for it. 

Not less dependent am I on the grace of 
the Spirit for sanctification. I was dead in 
sin, destitute of holiness, averse from God, 
indisposed to holy action, and indeed unable 
to perform any acts of the kind, till the Holy 
Spirit entered into my soul and imparted to it 
spiritual life. At his command, my soul arose 
from the death of sin. I received from his 
gracious power ability for holy action. Faith 
and penitence, love, hope and joy, w T ere 
wrought in my soul. I could love God and 
man. My affections were turned from earth 
to heaven. I delighted in spiritual things, 



THE HOLY SPIRIT. 251 

and felt my heart drawn out especially to the 
household of faith. The yoke of Christ was 
easy and his burden light. It was a pleasure 
to yield obedience to the divine command- 
ments. But were the Spirit of life to with- 
draw his gracious influence, my soul would 
relapse into the arms of spiritual death. 
Blessed be God for the assurance, that the 
Comforter shall abide in us for ever. John 
xiv. 16. Grieved by our unchristian conduct 
he may depart, in a measure and for a sea- 
son. Then the soul languishes, just as the 
branch begins to fade and wither, when the 
regular circulation of the vital sap from the 
vine is obstructed. Under the suspension of 
the Spirit's gracious influence, how do all the 
graces of faith, and love, and hope, decline ! 
Before the blessed Spirit taught me how to 
pray, and helped my infirmities, I could say 
my prayers ; but I could not worship God in 
spirit and in truth. Under his heavenly in- 
fluence how sweet is this exercise of the soul ! 
How freely can I approach the throne of 
grace ! How am I emboldened to enter into 
the holiest of all, and, appearing in the pre- 
sence of infinite Majesty, pour out the fulness 
of my heart before him, in the language of 



252 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

praise and thanksgiving, of prayer and sup- 
plication ! But, when not thus favoured, my 
intercourse with God becomes formal ; and I 
have to complain of coldness, and languor, 
and dulness of my want of faith and fervency 
of desire. Oh ! for the spirit and the grace 
of prayer ! 

How desirable the witness of the Spirit ! 
He does bear witness with the spirits of be- 
lievers, that they are the children of God, 
both in an ordinary and in an extraordinary 
manner. When he imparts his extraordinary 
witness, the soul can no more doubt it, than 
the prophets could doubt that they were in- 
spired. The Spirit is then seen in his own 
light, just as the sun is in his light. If, my 
soul, this special favour has been vouchsafed 
to thee, thou knowest the meaning of this 
extraordinary witness of the Holy Spirit; 
thou hast had experience of the love, and 
joy, and hope, lighted up by the heavenly 
vision ; thou didst rejoice in the assurance of 
thy adoption into the family of God, and 
couldst cry with unfaltering tongue, " Abba, 
Father." 

It is not, however, from this extraordinary 
witness of the Spirit, that a settled, abiding 



THE HOLY SPIRIT. 253 

conviction of being in a gracious state of 
divine acceptance, is to be obtained. The 
heavenly vision is soon withdrawn ; and may- 
after a while be succeeded by doubts and 
fears. Such, my soul, thou hast experienced ; 
and thou hast been stirred to diligence in 
endeavours to make thy calling and election 
sure. Hast thou, by studying the nature of 
the Spirit's gracious work, by repeated self- 
examination, and earnest prayer for his wit- 
ness, arrived at a settled belief of having 
enjoyed his renewing grace, and of being in 
a state of friendship with God through Jesus 
Christ ? Be thankful for the blessing, and 
walk with humility and watchfulness, depend- 
ing on the light, and teaching, and assistance 
of the Holy Spirit. 

And is he not the strength of my soul? 
When the Spirit imparts his grace, my faith 
is strong, my hope bright, and my purpose 
firm ; and, trusting in God, I can go on cheer- 
fully in the path of duty, boldly meet my 
enemies, and patiently endure trials and 
afflictions. But how different my experience, 
when he is pleased in any measure to with- 
draw his strengthening influence ! 

Thus, in these various ways, I am taught 
22 



254 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

my entire and constant dependence on the 
grace of the Holy Spirit. But how slow am 
I in learning this great truth, so essential to 
my security and progress in the divine life ! 
Forget it not, my soul; let it be imprinted 
deeply on thy memory, and keep thee watch- 
ful and prayerful. So shall the Comforter 
dwell in thee for ever, and be a fountain of 
light, of grace, of strength, and of joy; till 
having finished thy course on earth, thou 
shalt have arrived at that perfect state of 
holiness and blessedness, where variations in 
feelings, depressions of spirits, and doubts 
and fears, shall be unknown ; and where thou 
shalt exult for ever in fulness of light, and joy, 
and glory. 

PRAYER. 

Holy Spirit, one with the Father and the 
Son, I acknowledge thee to be the author of 
all spiritual light, and grace, and strength, to 
my soul. Thou hast assumed the office 
of applying the purchased salvation of Christ 
to the children of men, and of preparing them 
for an eternal residence in heaven. Hast 
thou not quickened my soul to a divine life ? 



PRAYER. 255 

Hast thou not enlightened my dark mind 
with heavenly light ? Hast thou not renewed 
and sanctified my depraved nature? Hast 
thou not taught me how to pray l Hast thou 
not borne witness with my spirit, that I am a 
child of God? And hast thou not sealed me 
unto the day of redemption 1 I thank thee, 
O gracious Spirit, for these great and signal 
favours. Dwell in my heart for ever. Work 
there with greater power. Subdue and ex- 
pel from my soul every depraved lust and 
sinful desire. Carry on and perfect in me 
thy blessed work. Cherish within me every 
Christian grace and virtue. Impress oh me 
the image of my divine Redeemer. Strengthen 
me with all might in the inner man. Impart 
to me thy divine consolations. Shed abroad 
upon my heart the love of God. Let me 
never grieve thee, but always lay open my 
soul to thy holy influence, and yield cheer- 
fully and promptly to every suggestion from 
thee. Perfect thy work in me, and fit me 
for the enjoyment of that eternal inheritance 
of the saints in light, for which I long. 
Grant me all this, O holy Spirit, for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



256 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 



MEDITATION XXIX. 

GROWTH IN GRACE. 

The law of increase and progress prevails in 
all the works of the Almighty. He could, if 
it had been his pleasure, have spoken this 
world into existence, disposed, arranged, and 
adorned, just as it was, when the light of the 
seventh day revealed it to the eyes of our 
first parents, in all its beauty and glory. But 
it pleased God to put forth his creating power 
in a different way. First, he brought the 
chaotic mass into existence; and then dis- 
posed the elements into their various forms, 
arranged the land and water, formed the 
lights of heaven, and perfected his plan, by 
the labours of six days. 

The same law rules in Providence. The 
acorn is planted ; from which springs the sap- 
ling, which, in the course of years, grows into 
the majestic oak. Man is at first an infant ; 
then passes through childhood and youth, and 
at length reaches the full stature of manhood. 
His mind is gradually developed from its first 



GROWTH IN GRACE. 257 

conception, till it is so expanded as to contain 
stores of learning and science. 

In redemption, the same law is found in 
operation. Ages rolled away before the Son 
of God came into the world to achieve his 
great work of making an atonement for sin, 
and furnishing us with a righteousness for 
our justification. Fifteen hundred years 
were occupied in completing the canon of 
sacred Scripture. 

By the same law is the application of sal- 
vation to believing sinners governed. God 
might, if it had pleased him, have finished 
the work in a moment, and presented every 
believer at once perfect in Christ Jesus, in all 
the beauties of holiness, and in the enjoyment 
of complete happiness. But infinite wisdom 
has adopted a different plan. Spiritual life 
is at first communicated to the soul in an in- 
cipient state; and then cherished, and pre-, 
served, and increased, till it reaches perfec- 
tion in glory. 

By the grace of God, I have been brought 
into a state of reconciliation and friendship 
with him. My sins have all been pardoned, 
and my person justified, through the imputed 
righteousness of my blessed Redeemer. My 
22* 



258 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

nature has been sanctified by his Holy Spirit, 
so that a transforming moral change has 
passed over all the faculties of my soul. 

For what grace has wrought for me, I 
have abundant reason for thanksgiving and 
praise to God. But great as is the change 
effected in my nature, and protected as I am 
against condemnation, through my union to 
Christ, and participation in his merits by faith, 
I am by no means to be satisfied with my 
present attainments in grace. There is room 
for great improvement. None of my facul- 
ties have been perfected. My mind is not 
freed from darkness, nor is my heart purified 
from all sin. My love, and faith, and joy, 
and hope, and holiness, are all imperfect. 
The old man still remains to struggle with 
the new man; sin in my members still wars 
with the law of my mind. In such a state 
of imperfection, when so much remains to be 
effected, before I can reach the perfection to 
which I am destined ; it would betray much 
ignorance of duty, and much ingratitude for 
what God has wrought for me, were I to 
rest contented with present attainments, and 
not labour to reach a more advanced stage in 
the work of divine grace. While so much 



GROWTH IN GRACE. 259 

sin remains to be mortified within me, and 
all my graces are so imperfect, how can I 
rest satisfied? Surely I ought to labour after 
increased holiness, and growing conformity 
to the image of Christ. 

The strongest motives urge me to endea- 
vour to grow in grace. 

Duty calls for it. "Grow in grace," is an 
apostolic injunction; 2 Pet. iii. 18; "Be ye 
therefore perfect, even as your Father which 
is in heaven is perfect." Matt. v. 48. " But 
as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye 
holy in all manner of conversation." 1 Pet. 
i. 15. So plainly is the duty enjoined. 

The design of Christ's death demands it 
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the 
glorious appearing of the great God and our 
Saviour, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for 
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 
zealous of good works." Tit. ii. 13, 14. 
Was this the design of my Redeemer ? Did 
he die, that I might be holy, and finally 
delivered from all sin ? And shall I dare to 
oppose his blessed design, by indulging in 
any sin, or bj being remiss in my exertions 
to overcome it in every form? Forbid it.. 



260 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

gracious God. Inspire my soul with in- 
creasing hatred of all sin, and quicken my 
efforts to crucify my lusts, and to become 
daily more and more conformable to thy 
likeness. May I long for that perfection of 
nature, to which I am destined; and to put me 
in possession of which, my Saviour died. 

Ample encouragement is given to animate 
my exertions, in making greater attainments 
in the divine life. " And the very God of 
peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God 
your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be 
preserved blameless unto the coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth 
you, who also will do it." 1 Thess. v. 23, 
24. God is faithful to his engagements with 
his Son; and therefore he will perfect the 
work of sanctification in all who have been 
redeemed by his blood, and are united to him 
by faith. Embrace, then, my soul, this 
gracious encouragement, that thy exertions 
will not be in vain, but crowned with com- 
plete success. Hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness, and thou shalt be filled. 

Consider too the influence which growth in 
grace will have upon thy future blessedness. 
Hear the exhortation of the apostle Peter: 



GROWTH IN GRACE. 261 

*' Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue ; 
and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge 
temperance; and to temperance patience; 
and to patience godliness; and to godliness 
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness 
charity. For if these things be in you, and 
abound, they make you that ye shall be 
neither barren nor unfruitful in the know- 
ledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that 
lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see 
afar off, and hath forgotten that he was 
purged from his old sins. Wherefore the 
rather, brethren, give diligence to make 
your calling and election sure: for if ye do 
these things ye shall never fall: for so an 
entrance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. i. 
5-11. 

How important, O my soul, is growth in 
grace to thy present peace, and enjoyment, 
and usefulness! How plainly and forcibly 
is it enjoined on thee as a duty! How 
touchingly is it enforced by a consideration 
of the design of thy Redeemer's death, who 
has purchased thee with his precious blood ! 
What encouragement is presented to urge 



262 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

thee on in the glorious career, by the assu- 
rance of necessary aid and final success ! 
And how will every step in this heavenly 
course, influence and augment thy future hap- 
piness and glory ! Pressed by such motives, 
wilt thou not put forth every exertion to 
grow in grace, and to approximate towards 
a state of perfect holiness; that at last thou 
mayest be prepared to take thy station, with 
all the Redeemed, around the throne of God, 
to praise and enjoy him for ever and ever? 

This, then, be thy high aim. Look to it. 
Keep thine eyes constantly on it. Pray for 
the aid of the Holy Spirit, to help thee on- 
ward in thy heavenly course ; and daily be- 
seech God, that thou mayest grow in grace, 
and finally reach " the unity of the faith, and 
of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a 
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature 
of the fulness of Christ:" Ephes. iv. 13; and 
that when he shall appear, thou mayqst ap- 
pear with him in glory, and be like him, and 
" see him as he is." Col. iii. 4. 1 John 
iii. 2. 



PRAYER. 263 



PRAYER. 



O! most holy God, the heavens are not 
clean in thy sight, and thou charged st thine 
angels with folly. How, then, must I appear 
in the sight of infinite purity ! By thy free 
and rich grace, I have been, I trust, renewed, 
and sanctified, and changed into thy image. 
But how unlike to thee am I still ! My mind 
is dark; my will rebellious; my affections 
cleave too much to this earth ; my love to 
thee is cold ; my heart is not occupied, as it 
should be, with heavenly things. How much 
yet remains to be done, before I can reach 
that perfection in heart and in life to which I 
am destined ! Oh ! never suffer me to be 
satisfied with any attainments that I have 
made, or shall make, in the present imperfect 
state of human nature. I pray, that I may 
ever press on in my career of holiness, and 
constantly endeavour to grow in grace. Duty 
calls for it ; the design of Christ's death de 
mands it ; ample encouragement is given to 
expect help from on high ; the more I grow 
in grace, the more peace of mind shall I en- 
joy, the more useful in life shall I be; and a 



264 SACRAMENTAL MEDITATIONS. 

brighter crown will hereafter encircle my 
brow, and I shall occupy a higher seat in 
heaven at last. 

O my God, grant that I may ever feel the 
quickening influence of these great motives ; 
so that my exertions being stimulated, I may 
make greater progress in the divine life. Let 
me never, I beseech thee, O my God, lose 
sight of the great duty of growing in grace 
May I constantly aim at it ; and strive to 
become more and more conformed to thy 
most holy .image. Crown my efforts with 
success ; and, at last, may an abundant en- 
trance into thy everlasting kingdom be minis- 
tered unto me, through Jesus Christ, thy Son. 
" Now unto him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask, or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us ; 
unto him be glory in the church, by Christ 
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. 
Amen." Ephes. iii. 20, 21. 



THE END. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Sept. 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



